In today’s world, where traditional academic boundaries are becoming increasingly blurred, interdisciplinary research is taking center stage. Whether it’s the intersection of artificial intelligence and healthcare, environmental science and sociology, or business and psychology, interdisciplinary approaches are driving innovation. But for many aspiring students, the challenge isn’t just identifying a research niche but also securing funding that supports these cross-disciplinary endeavors. Luckily, scholarships tailored specifically for interdisciplinary research are available—though often under-publicized.
This blog will explore unique scholarship opportunities for students passionate about combining disciplines and offer strategies to increase your chances of securing funding.
Why Interdisciplinary Research?
Before diving into the scholarships, it’s essential to understand why interdisciplinary research is important. While traditional academic fields focus on specialized knowledge, interdisciplinary research promotes collaboration across fields to solve complex global problems. Whether you’re interested in climate change, public health, or technology, integrating different disciplines can lead to more comprehensive solutions. And that’s exactly what many modern funding bodies are looking for: innovative, wide-reaching projects.
What Makes Interdisciplinary Scholarships Unique?
Scholarships for interdisciplinary research often have more flexible eligibility criteria compared to conventional scholarships. They don’t just look at your academic scores—they focus on your project’s potential to break new ground. Funders are keen to invest in students who are capable of bridging gaps between fields and who can present their ideas in innovative ways.
Furthermore, these scholarships frequently prioritize international students because cross-cultural perspectives enhance interdisciplinary projects. This offers an advantage to international applicants seeking to explore fields like technology and healthcare, urban planning and environmental science, or ethics and artificial intelligence.
Where to Find Interdisciplinary Scholarships?
While you won’t find a specific tab labeled “Interdisciplinary Scholarships” on most major scholarship platforms, plenty of funding bodies are looking for exactly these types of students. You just have to know where to look.
Here are some under-the-radar options:
1. Schmidt Science Fellows
Schmidt Science Fellows offers one of the most prestigious fellowships for interdisciplinary research. This program is specifically designed for exceptional early-career scientists interested in pursuing research outside their primary discipline. The fellowship provides a stipend and full financial support for a year of postdoctoral study at leading international institutions. You’ll need a strong academic background, but they are particularly interested in applicants whose work has real-world, interdisciplinary impact.
2. Rotary Foundation Global Grant Scholarships
Though not exclusively focused on interdisciplinary research, Rotary Foundation’s Global Grant Scholarships encourage students who are engaged in international, cross-disciplinary research. With grants supporting areas such as peace and conflict prevention, disease prevention, and economic development, applicants with projects combining health, engineering, and social sciences, for instance, are highly valued.
3. The Wellcome Trust Interdisciplinary Research Fellowships
The Wellcome Trust is known for funding healthcare-related research, but it offers opportunities for interdisciplinary scholars as well. Their funding programs support projects that combine disciplines such as ethics, law, and public health. Applicants proposing to use a mix of quantitative and qualitative research methods are especially encouraged to apply.
4. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree (EMJMD) Scholarships
These scholarships are ideal for students who wish to pursue a joint degree spanning two or more disciplines in multiple European universities. Erasmus Mundus funds a wide range of programs, many of which are interdisciplinary in nature. For example, programs blending environmental science and business, or public health and urban planning, are popular choices for students looking to expand their academic horizons while gaining international experience.
5. Gates Cambridge Scholarship
Though highly competitive, the Gates Cambridge Scholarship offers funding for students aiming to pursue interdisciplinary PhDs at the University of Cambridge. Their focus on leadership and academic excellence makes this scholarship ideal for those intending to challenge the status quo in fields such as climate science, technology policy, or biomedical ethics.
6. The Volkswagen Foundation
The Volkswagen Foundation provides a unique interdisciplinary research grant aimed at fostering projects between the natural and social sciences. If your research involves fields such as artificial intelligence and ethics, or biotechnology and public policy, this foundation may be your best bet. Their funding focuses not just on academic excellence but on real-world impact, making this ideal for students who want their research to reach policymakers and industry professionals.
7. Mitacs Globalink Research Awards
This Canadian program offers funding for international students to collaborate with Canadian researchers on interdisciplinary projects. If you’re interested in fields like global health, AI and society, or sustainable development, Mitacs Globalink Research Awards can support your work and provide valuable international experience.
