Interdisciplinary researchers attain better long-term funding performance

Abstract Interdisciplinary research is on the rise globally. Yet, several studies have shown that it often achieves lower impact compared to more specialized work, and less likely attract funding. Here, we seek reconcile such evidence by analyzing 44,419 grants awarded councils in UK. We find researchers with an interdisciplinary funding track record dominate network of academic collaborations, both terms centrality knowledge brokerage, but a competitive advantage does not translate into immediate return. Our results based matched pair analysis show achieve their publications short run; however, they eventually outperform counterparts performance, volume value. These findings suggest pursuing career may require perseverance overcome extra challenges, can pave way for successful endeavor.