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Written by Hiba Fayoumi  Have you ever wondered how research teams come into existence? What necessitates the formation of these teams? Typically, a university research team consists of a team lead or principal investigator (PI), an academic lead (Co-PI) or field expert, and at least one student, either graduate or undergraduate. Despite the persistent advocacy for interdisciplinary studies by major scientific organizations, funding agencies, and educators over the past two decades, such collaborations remain relatively rare, particularly interdisciplinary research teams. As an expert in a specific field, others often turn to you for solutions. However, it's not uncommon for years to pass without being approached by individuals from other disciplines seeking your expertise! Why does this happen? Various factors could contribute to this, including but not limited to, fear of rejection, time constraints, a preference for independent work, or prioritization of other projects. Today, there's a growing recognition of the importance of interdisciplinarity in both education and research. Reports from scientific and educational organizations highlight the complexity of nature, society, and the workforce, emphasizing the need for systematic and contextual reasoning. Interdisciplinary team collaboration offers several benefits, for instance: 
Who would have anticipated that the observation made in 1946 regarding the orientation of nuclei in a magnetic field would pave the way for modern advancements in nuclear magnetic resonance and magnetic resonance imaging? Similarly, the sequencing of the human genome, required collaborative efforts across multiple traditional fields, including physics, chemistry, biology, and computer science. Understanding the health implications of genome sequencing will likely involve further interdisciplinary collaboration, incorporating areas such as mathematics, computer science, and bioinformatics. In cases where new theory building intersects disciplines, the concept of transdisciplinary research has gained traction. This approach, distinct from interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary research, is deemed essential for addressing complex societal issues such as obesity, drug abuse, and violent behavior. Training in behavioral and social sciences is recognized as a crucial component in dealing with these health challenges. Transitioning to practical examples, the experience of forming an I-Corps research team sheds light on the dynamics of interdisciplinary collaboration. Initially introduced to the concept while applying for the Interdisciplinary Research Initiation Award (IRIA) at UToledo, the process involved reaching out to experts from different departments and fostering collaboration. I learned about I-Corps teams shortly after applying for the IRIA. At that time, I had recently formed a research team comprising three faculty members from the mathematics and statistics department and one from the department of computer science and technology engineering. Despite being new to the math department and having little knowledge of experts in the engineering department, I took a simple approach: I asked around. By knocking on a couple of doors and sending a few emails, I was able to introduce myself and propose the idea of forming a group between our departments, as the project would require all our expertise. Over time, our team grew and adapted, overcoming challenges such as a member's retirement and integrating new graduate students. This experience demonstrated the simplicity and effectiveness of forming interdisciplinary teams.  The University of Akron's I-Corps Program offers opportunities for faculty, students, and community-led research teams to engage in entrepreneurial ventures. Whether through university teams, community teams, individual student applications, or mentorship roles, participants can contribute to innovation and entrepreneurship initiatives. Affiliated with the Great Lakes Region I-Corps Hub, Ohio institutions like The University of Akron, The University of Toledo, and The Ohio State University actively contribute to America's innovation ecosystem. In conclusion, the journey of I-Corps Teams underscores the significance of interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing existing challenges and driving innovation forward.
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