The 47th Association for Interdisciplinary Studies (AIS) Conference under the topic of “Shaping the Future in the Era of Polycrisis” will take place from June 4 to 6 in Oulu, Finland. CAIS researcher Samuel T. Simon is going to present research results from his dissertation project as part of the the session “Fostering Interdisciplinarity in Research: Best Practices for Successful Implementation” on June 4 from 2:30 PM to 5:00 PM in a presentation titled “Facilitation as a Catalyst for Effective Interdisciplinary Research: An Autoethnographic Exploration”.
Content of his presentation
This presentation explores the practices of facilitators in hybrid, digitally mediated research teams, conceptualizing them as embodied boundary objects within a practice-theoretical framework grounded in Science and Technology Studies discourses (sociomaterial entanglement, embodied infrastructuring, boundary work, institutionalization of interdisciplinarity, care practices, etc.). Drawing on an analytic autoethnographic case study of an interdisciplinary research project conducted primarily in a remote setting, the presentation highlights facilitation practices using autoethnographic reporting, vignettes, process documentation, and team communication. The facilitator enacted key functions – process guidance, providing collaboration methods, process education and acting as neutral third party – while navigating tensions between content and coordination roles. The facilitator stabilized collaboration and structured digital routines. Facilitation is compared to infrastructural practice, enabling transformation and resilience in evolving work environments. This study highlights the role of affect, role ambiguity, and role tensions in interdisciplinary research teams working in digitally mediated environments. It offers insights for governing hybrid collaboration and contributes conceptually by framing the facilitator as an embodied boundary object – a practice-theoretical construct that links emotional labor, coordination practices, and epistemic mediation in digital work settings.
Abstract: https://eventos3-202b6.kxcdn.com/uploads/498/materials/226512c8ae68062cd163767759cd9d1a.pdf
Further information on the conference can be found on this website: https://app.eventos.fi/ais-conference-2025/website/home