University campuses, with their research facilities and expertise, are key forces in assisting to develop these solutions. Research in science and technology is vital to producing the new knowledge, products, and processes that are needed. Moreover, the education of students capable of creating and applying new knowledge is a critical part of the academic mission. These challenges are stimulating new research alliances for solving complex problems by multidisciplinary teamwork. Cooperation among university personnel from different fields and coalitions of agencies, corporations and campuses are strategies to address these large-scale, multifaceted research problems.
New knowledge is developed by a synthesis of information and techniques from different disciplines.
This interdisciplinary approach can be applied to a variety of problems, and is the basis for multidisciplinary research centers. Interdisciplinary research offers the prospect to overcome barriers between academia and industry, to generate a spirit of teamwork and cooperation, and to create strategic partnerships that can lead to progress and benefits for all. The UC Davis College of Engineering is engaged in interdisciplinary research through several programs. An ORU may organize research conferences and meetings, advise on graduate curricula, help professors in providing guidance for graduate students, and manage training programs. Research areas include earthquake simulation, stability of embankments, foundation vibration, dam fracturing, ship hydrodynamics, retaining walls, shockwaves in earth material, and groundwater migration.