ABSTRACT
This chapter identifies and discusses some of the challenges that arise in implementing cross-disciplinary teamwork, drawing on the experiences of members of Centre for Environmental Strategy (CES). It focuses on challenges particularly relevant to cross-disciplinary environmental research. The chapter provides insights to facilitate more effective teamworking for environmental excellence in the academic sector. It begins with an examination of why multi-disciplinary research groups such as CES are necessary, and why individuals with special personal qualities are required as members of such groups. The chapter outlines future initiatives that will take forward some of the issues identified, and underlines the need for more support from the wider administrative and funding infrastructure within which groups such as CES are located. It helps to identify those factors that facilitate cross-disciplinary teamwork-factors as diverse as the personal qualities of individual team members, physical location of offices, and structuring meetings to promote constructive rather than destructive discussions.
