The Motivation, Practices, and Implications of Interdisciplinary Talent Cultivation in American Research Universities

Abstract

Interdisciplinary talent cultivation has emerged as a key approach for research universities in light of evolving knowledge production methodologies and the rise of global complex issues. American research universities have constructed a mature cultivation system, driven by social requirements, policy guidance, and disciplinary regulations. This article analyzes its practices from four dimensions: strategic planning, organizational structure, cultivation model, and support system, that is, setting the direction through strategic layouts, breaking barriers with multiple organizations, realizing holistic cultivation through curriculum and research, and providing guarantees with multiple mechanisms. In response to the challenges faced by research universities in China, the article makes localized recommendations such as coordinated governance, curriculum reform, and improvement of support mechanisms, so as to provide references for cultivating interdisciplinary talents in the context of “Double First-Class” construction.