Whither convergence? Co-designing convergent research and wrestling with its emergent tensions

Convergence has emerged as an important paradigm for conducting research that tackles grand societal challenges. It demands deep integration of multiple disciplines for a holistic understanding of the complexity of these challenges. In the last decade, most convergent research efforts have focused on the integration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). However, addressing societal challenges necessitates greater integration of the social sciences in order to bring in critical and reflexive thinking. Design, as a discipline, integrates social science foundations with the creative arts and a strong future orientation, to understand human behaviors and interactions across socio-technical systems. Although design has gained attention at the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) as a means of identifying use-inspired research and facilitating cross-disciplinary collaboration, it has not been more widely recognized as a valuable discipline contributing to convergent research. This paper examines design’s role in activating convergence within Multiscale Resilient, Equitable, and Circular Innovations with Partnership and Education Synergies for Sustainable Food Systems (RECIPES), an NSF-funded Sustainable Regional Systems Research Network. RECIPES aims to develop scientific breakthroughs in characterizing the complex challenges surrounding food loss and waste in the U.S., as well as to develop innovative, circular, and socially equitable solutions for reducing and managing wasted food. The network uses design to help infrastructure convergence. Prioritizing authentic whole person engagement among network participants, fostering critical reflection through convergence and divergence cycles, and making space for open-ended inquiries around emergent tensions are vitally important. This article is a reflection on this role, with insights and recommendations for more effectively leveraging design in convergence.

Duke Scholars

Author Norbert Lance Weston Wilson Divinity School