Ahead of one’s time? Multidisciplinarity as a part of the function of the Centre of Research methods at the University of Lapland

Authors

• Pälvi Rantala Lapin yliopisto, yhteiskuntatieteiden tiedekunta

DOI: https://doi.org/10.33350/ka.70406

Keywords:

Multidisciplinary, science policy, university history

Abstract

The Centre of Research Methods (in operation between 1998–2009 at the University of Lapland,) represented a new kind of university, in which external funding, projects and innovation discourse had a central role. In my article, I ask what implications multidisciplinarity had for the function of the Centre, especially in its curriculum work, teaching and research. My viewpoint is cultural historical: on the one hand, I look at the phenomenon as a part of its own time and its research political discussions. On the other hand, I ask how the action of the Centre reflects in the present. My research material consists of the archive documents of the Centre of Research Methods, such as quality assurance documents, annual reports, action plans, financial planning models, and guidebooks for students. In addition, I have conducted three expert interviews. I based my analysis on the following questions: What is multidisciplinarity, and how is it put into action? Who is acting? Why is multidisciplinarity necessary, and what is the wider national or international science political context or discussion around it? The action of the Centre reflected the changes and structures of the contemporary scientific policy and university policy. In the archive material, one can read both the contemporary discussions and science political emphasis, and the long-term, future-oriented planning in research practice and curriculum planning. Multidisciplinary meant for example co-operation over disciplinary boundaries, but also appeared as epistemic acts and policies, related to the production of knowledge.