Campus Review Vol 30. Issue 06 | Page 25

campusreview.com.au industry & research tend to appear at the summit while the soft sciences are below. This distinction can create discrepancies in authority, respect, relevance and even financial support. To some, hard sciences are more ‘reputable’ than soft sciences, perhaps due to the greater perceived rigour of the former. These opinions are shifting in some circles, and social scientists do earn recognition for their scholarly contributions. Even so, preconceived notions about both sides are important to keep in mind when considering how interdisciplinary research can unearth new discoveries about COVID-19. Challenges may persist when academics decide to pursue interdisciplinary funding. For example, interdisciplinary projects can be tougher to evaluate than strictly hard or soft science-focused initiatives, thus complicating selection committees’ funding decisions. If the benefits of interdisciplinary work are properly highlighted, however, the knowledge gained from these multifaceted projects can often be greater than the output from either branch of science alone. It is also vitally important that both camps make their approaches understandable to one another. Medical and social scientists tend to speak distinct languages given their divergent foci. Only by developing a shared vernacular can pandemic-related information be provided to the public in a way that honours the timeliness of data and our need to truly understand it. Such insight can inspire fresh perspectives on the real scope of COVID-19: from its effects on physical health, mental wellbeing, social interaction and personal responsibility, to healthcare access, education, the labour market and countless other topics. FORGING A FUTURE PATH The benefits of this type of knowledge exchange are certainly not limited to the current pandemic. By developing ways to bring the strengths of the medical and social sciences together, researchers will be able to use what they have learned about COVID-19 (and scientific communication in general) to tackle similarly challenging events in the future. The ultimate outcome of interdisciplinary work will hopefully be clearer and more innovative policies and practices. These developments can be used to not only promote public health but also foster mutual understanding – among academics and, more importantly, the citizens of the world. ■ Dr Jun Wen is a lecturer in tourism and hospitality management in the School of Business and Law at Edith Cowan University. Dr Wei Wang is a professor in public health at the School of Medical and Health Sciences and pro-vice chancellor at Edith Cowan University. SubScribe for leSS than $5 a week The laTesT news and resources for professionals in The higher educaTion indusTry Campus Review is Australia’s only publication dedicated exclusively to the higher education industry, making it an essential read for those working in the sector. • Exclusive coverage of higher education news • 12 issues per year • Tax-deductible • Widely-respected industry magazine that consistently portrays the sector accurately • Written by an independent voice Please call 02 9936 8666 to find out more. 23