Nexus: Networking Across Disciplines

Nexus: Networking Across Disciplines fosters the emergence of interdisciplinary research teams by providing faculty with structured opportunities to learn about one another’s research and brainstorm areas of mutual interest. Through a series of summer workshops, Nexus supports the initial stages of project development as faculty formulate shared research questions, consider analytical strategies, and identify potential funding sources.

Each year, the Nexus program targets faculty working on topics related to existing research areas of focus and distinction identified by the Top-Tier Research Commission. In 2022, the program accepted 28 faculty from across 6 colleges working in areas related to Migration and Diaspora Studies and Climate Change and Resilience (see Nexus 2022 final report). In 2023, when the areas of focus were Socioeconomic Mobility and Urban Health, 32 faculty from 5 colleges participated. Each participant receives a stipend for engaging fully in the May and August workshops. The Nexus program has led to the emergence of multiple interdisciplinary working groups that have applied for internal and external funding to support their collaborations.

Nexus 2024

Nexus 2024 targets full-time faculty in two research areas of focus and distinction: 1) Artificial Intelligence (including uses and social impact); and 2) Online Misinformation and Deception. The application instructions include the required cover page and a link for submissions. Applications are due by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, April 8, 2024.

Nexus 2024 will center around three summer workshops with a preliminary outline as follows:

Tuesday, May 21 (9:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m. with lunch)

  • Share individual research interests and identify areas of overlap
  • Brainstorm possible directions for collaborative research

Wednesday, May 22 (9:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m. with lunch)

  • Develop research questions and analytical approaches
  • Plan strategies for advancing collaborations over the summer

Wednesday, August 14 (9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. with lunch)

  • Present proposed projects and strategies to sustain collaboration
  • Discuss interdisciplinary funding opportunities and grant writing strategies

Nexus 2024 is organized by the College of Humanities & Earth and Social Sciences and the Division of Research with support from the Cato College of Education, the College of Health and Human Services, and the College of Computing and Informatics. Questions can be directed to CHESS Associate Dean for Research and Interdisciplinary Collaboration Beth Whitaker (bwhitaker@charlotte.edu).