Teamwork takes more time and produces fewer publications. Interdisciplinary research at this University tends to rely on students to take the risk and find interdisciplinary supervisors. In an example from the U of S, a faculty member in one department was part of an interdisciplinary research group and when promotion time came the interdisciplinary work was downplayed so that person was penalized for doing interdisciplinary work. Interdisciplinary research is seen as a stage in one s career. If we think of interdisciplinarity as a career path, then we should be aiming at mid-career faculty.
Successful groups cultivate cross-connections.
Perhaps it is bad to leave interdisciplinary research to mid-career. I disagree at aiming at mid-career researchers. We need to create an environment where it is legitimate, valid work and create support for young faculty. The most interesting research occurs at the interface of disciplines and young faculty should be able to do this research too. Granting agencies are shifting to expand university boundaries by requiring commitments from non-university partners.