Abstract

Report from the field: Promoting interdisciplinary research in a college of public health

Shana Geary¹, Carla L. VandeWeerd, PhD¹, Ellen Daley, PhD, MPH¹, Rita DeBate, PhD, MPH, FAED, FAAHB¹, Hamisu Salihu, MD, PhD², Thomas Crisman, PhD¹, Jaime Corvin, PhD, MSPH, CPH¹, Azliyati Azizan, PhD¹, Ricardo Izurieta, MD, Dr.PH, MPH³, Wilbur Milhous, PhD¹ and Donna Petersen, ScD¹
(1)University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, (2)University of South Florida, College of Public Health, Tampa, FL, (3)College of Public Health, USF, Tampa, FL

2015 APHA Annual Meeting & Expo (Oct. 31 - Nov. 4, 2015)

Interdisciplinary research has become critical to the success of translational research programs in public health. This approach organizes efforts around the problem and promotes meaningful analytic strategies. Researchers can be deterred from participating in interdisciplinary research (IR) due to the division of awarded funds among the IR team. Environments that do not encourage interdisciplinary relationships stifle efforts to conduct IR. Successful IR at the university level requires administrative support. The University of South Florida’s College of Public Health (COPH) developed an internal funding program to promote and assist with the initiation of IR. The program awarded $100,000 to 7 novel projects. An evaluation of the return on investment was conducted to establish the program’s success. Qualtrics surveys were used to determine the number of publications, external grants, conference presentations and other outcomes resulting from the college’s positive expenditure. From the COPH’s initial $700,000 investment, the program resulted in 13 publications, 26 conference presentations, and 9 external grants totaling over $3 million. Through establishing internal funding programs that enable IR, universities and researchers can explore innovative research areas resulting in substantial returns to the university and ongoing research projects.

Administration, management, leadership Conduct evaluation related to programs, research, and other areas of practice Other professions or practice related to public health Public health or related organizational policy, standards, or other guidelines Public health or related research