Grand challenges and emergent modes of convergence science

Abstract To address complex problems, scholars are increasingly faced with challenges of integrating diverse domains. We analyzed the evolution this convergence paradigm in ecosystem brain science, a research frontier that provides contemporary testbed for evaluating two modes cross-domain integration: (a) cross-disciplinary collaboration among experts from academic departments associated disparate disciplines; and (b) cross-topic knowledge recombination across distinct subject areas. show involving both features 16% citation premium relative to mono-domain baseline. further mode is essential large epistemic distances. Yet we find utilizing exploration alone—a shortcut—to be growing prevalence at roughly 3% per year, significantly outpacing more mode. By measuring shifts impact different 5-year intervals up after 2013, shortcut patterns may relate competitive pressures Human Brain funding initiatives launched year. Without policy adjustments, flagship programs unintentionally incentivize suboptimal integration patterns, thereby undercutting science’s potential tackling grand challenges.