# Overcoming disciplinary divides in scientific collaboration: challenges and pathways

## TL;DR

This paper explores challenges in interdisciplinary science teams and offers strategies to improve collaboration and success.

## Contribution

The paper provides a structured overview of challenges and evidence-based strategies to enhance interdisciplinary teamwork.

## Key findings

- Five key challenges hinder interdisciplinary team effectiveness.
- Strategies for managing teamwork include communication and trust-building.
- Shared mental models and role clarity are crucial for success.

## Abstract

Interdisciplinary science teams combine diverse expertise to address complex societal challenges and are increasingly vital for advancing research and innovation. However, differences between team members can hinder effective collaboration in these teams. This mini review examines common challenges in interdisciplinary science teams and outlines strategies from team science to address them. We highlight five challenges that undermine team effectiveness: communication across disciplinary boundaries, developing shared mental models and role clarity, navigating hierarchies and status differences, building shared affect and trust, and efficiently using and distributing knowledge. The review includes different recommendations for managing interdisciplinary teamwork, emphasizing evidence-based practices that promote integration, collaboration, and long-term team success.