Bridging Borders and Disciplines - Challenges and Benefits (Part 1)

Within the context of a joint conference of two professional societies and the theme of bridging, this session aims to facilitate discussion of the challenges and benefits of including diverse perspectives within research teams. Navigating the complexities of aquatic science and resource management, especially within the context of large lakes, necessitates transcending many types of boundaries. Yet, research and management often remain siloed by geography, politics, culture, and disciplines. Building on the concept of the aquatic continuum - which describes the inherent linkages among lakes, rivers, estuaries, and oceans - this session will bring together those taking an integrated, holistic approach to aquatic systems. This session aims to explore the dynamics of collaborative teams that bridge diverse perspectives. We welcome presentations that detail projects involving international, inter-cultural, or interdisciplinary partnerships spanning systems across the aquatic continuum. Presenters are encouraged to reflect within their presentation on the challenges and benefits of these collaborations. The session will conclude with a series of small group discussions intended to foster connections among attendees and catalyze new partnerships. We hope to use these discussions to produce a product (e.g., article for the IAGLR Lakes Letter) to highlight similarities and differences in the challenges and benefits of working across boundaries, whether they be spatial, political, cultural, or disciplinary.

Chaired by:
Jessica Ives¹, Scott Colborne², Brittany Zepernick³, Hillary Glandon⁴, Diane Orihel⁵

¹ Great Lakes Fishery Commission,² Michigan State University,³ University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, ⁴ Illinois Natural History Survey, ⁵ Queen's University