Top 5 Emerging Fields for Interdisciplinary Teams

“Creativity is connecting things.” – Steve Jobs

Why You Should Innovate At The Intersections 

Once upon a time, phones were ugly. 

They were clunky at first, then shrunk. In 1971, Intel invented microprocessors. The tech was revolutionary, but the aesthetics were abysmal. 

Enter Steve Jobs. 

After taking a calligraphy class, he fell in love with typography, which went on to heavily influence the aesthetic charm of all Apple products to this day. 

No, it wasn’t coding or engineering. It wasn’t a “practical” subject that promised high starting salaries. 

It was calligraphy. 

And it changed the course of history. 

What happened here was a collaboration across disciplines, facilitated by one man’s curiosity. 

After leaving Apple, Jobs went on to found Pixar, and once again created a beautiful collaboration between storytelling, art, and computing. 

The exciting part about this is that many opportunities to do what Jobs did exist in other intersections.

Which ones?

Read on to find out.  

The Top Emerging Fields For Interdisciplinary Teams

#1: Agriculture + Robotics

This combination is great for interdisciplinary teams interested in revolutionizing food production by increasing efficiency, sustainability, and precision. 

Currently, the agricultural sector is under immense pressure to produce more with fewer resources. 

As a result, it’s an exciting industry ripe for combining AI, machine learning, and robotics to solve real-world problems.

How to Get Started:

1. Learn Basics of Robotics and Agriculture: Take online courses in agricultural science and robotics (e.g., through Coursera or edX).
2. Gain Practical Experience: Volunteer or intern at farms or agritech companies that use robotics or smart farming techniques.
3. Build a Network: Join forums, attend agritech expos, or connect with professionals in agriculture and robotics.

#2: Ecology + Urban Planning

Ecology and urban planning together create sustainable, resilient cities that harmonize human development with the natural world. 

As urban populations grow, the need for eco-friendly planning becomes critical to prevent environmental degradation, manage resources, and combat climate change.

It’s a rewarding area for interdisciplinary teams passionate about blending science, creativity, and policy to design cities that thrive in balance with nature.

How to Get Started:

1. Study Fundamentals: Learn about environmental science and urban planning through degree programs or certifications.
2. Work on Local Projects: Volunteer with urban greening initiatives or ecological conservation projects in cities.
3. Engage with Professionals: Attend conferences like the American Planning Association’s events to network with experts, and others who are interested in working in interdisciplinary teams or already do.

#3: Music + Physics

Understanding the physics of sound enhances instrument design, audio technology, and acoustics, creating new possibilities for musical expression and innovation.

This field also has practical applications in sound engineering, concert hall acoustics, and music therapy, making it versatile and impactful for interdisciplinary teams. 

If you’re passionate about both music and science, this intersection offers a fulfilling career that combines analytical skills with artistry to innovate in the entertainment, technology, and health sectors.

How to Get Started:

1. Learn the Basics: Explore introductory courses in acoustics, sound engineering, or physics of music.
2. Experiment: Use DIY sound experiments to understand resonance, frequency, and waveforms.
3. Join Communities: Participate in forums like Acoustical Society of America or attend events on sound innovation.

#4: Fashion + Materials Science

The fusion of fashion and materials science is transforming the industry by pushing boundaries in sustainability, functionality, and innovation. 

This field is vital for developing eco-friendly fabrics, smart textiles, and performance wear, addressing consumer demand for sustainable and high-tech clothing. 

Materials science contributes to waste reduction by creating recyclable or biodegradable fabrics, while smart textiles enable wearable technology. 

It’s a dynamic industry for those who enjoy blending creativity with scientific discovery, offering a chance to redefine how we wear and produce clothing.

How to Get Started:

1. Educate Yourself: Enroll in textile science or fashion technology courses online or at design schools.
2. Explore Innovations: Research new materials like biofabricated leather or smart fibers and experiment with DIY designs.
3. Collaborate: Network with professionals in fashion and materials science to discuss innovative ideas and trends.

#5: Civil Engineering + Disaster Management

Civil engineering and disaster management form a critical partnership in protecting communities from natural and man-made disasters. 

This field focuses on designing resilient infrastructure, creating early warning systems, and planning disaster response strategies. 

It’s an essential area as climate change increases the frequency and intensity of disasters. 

Professionals in this intersection play a vital role in reducing loss of life and property while fostering sustainable rebuilding efforts. 

The work is impactful, directly contributing to the safety and recovery of affected communities.

How to Get Started:

1. Acquire Relevant Skills: Pursue civil engineering degrees with a focus on sustainable design and disaster mitigation.
2. Volunteer: Work with disaster relief organizations or local emergency management agencies.
3. Specialize: Take certifications in disaster risk reduction (e.g., through FEMA or Red Cross) to deepen your expertise.

Thought to Action 

1. Ask Unconventional Questions: Practice questioning assumptions, e.g., “What’s the opposite approach to solving this?”
2. Volunteer for Cross-Field Projects: Look for community initiatives blending art and technology or education and environment.
3. Create an Idea Board: Encourage cross-department brainstorming for social or environmental initiatives.
4. Leverage Free Resources: Learn from free resources online to maximize your awareness of other disciplines, such as statistics, data analysis, and marketing. 
5. Sketch For Your Brain: Draw diagrams and sketches to help process your thoughts and develop your ideas further. 

Sources

Cheng, Chao, et al. “Recent Advancements in Agriculture Robots: Benefits and Challenges.” Machines, vol. 11, no. 1, 1 Jan. 2023, p. 48, www.mdpi.com/2075-1702/11/1/48, https://doi.org/10.3390/machines11010048.

Gossett, Stephen. “Farming & Agriculture Robots.” Built In, 7 Mar. 2023, builtin.com/robotics/farming-agricultural-robots. Accessed 17 Jan. 2025.

Hrga, Iztok. “Wearable Technologies: Between Fashion, Art, Performance, and Science (Fiction).” TEKSTILEC, vol. 62, no. 2, 14 June 2019, pp. 124–136, www.tekstilec.si/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Tekstilec-02-2019-clanek-5.pdf, https://doi.org/10.14502/tekstilec2019.62.124-136. Accessed 20 Jan. 2021.

Suits, Bryan H. Physics behind Music. 2023.

“The Role of Civil Engineers in Disaster Management and Relief Efforts – GIS User Technology News.” GISuser, 12 Aug. 2023, gisuser.com/2023/08/the-role-of-civil-engineers-in-disaster-management-and-relief-efforts/. Accessed 17 Jan. 2025.

The World Bank. “Agriculture and Food.” World Bank, 2018, www.worldbank.org/en/topic/agriculture. Accessed 17 Jan. 2025.

Wakchaure, Manas, et al. “Application of AI Techniques and Robotics in Agriculture: A Review.” Artificial Intelligence in the Life Sciences, vol. 3, no. 100057, Dec. 2023, p. 100057, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ailsci.2023.100057.

Witt, Emlyn, et al. “Mapping Construction Industry Roles to the Disaster Management Cycle.” Procedia Economics and Finance, vol. 18, 2014, pp. 103–110, www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212567114009198, https://doi.org/10.1016/s2212-5671(14)00919-8. Accessed 17 Jan. 2025.

Wu, Jianguo. “Urban Ecology and Sustainability: The State-of-The-Science and Future Directions.” Landscape and Urban Planning, vol. 125, May 2014, pp. 209–221, www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0169204614000322, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landurbplan.2014.01.018. Accessed 17 Jan. 2025.