Interdisciplinary research and development

At our University of Leuven, the Lectures of the 21st century are taught since the nineties (of the 20th century..). They offer students, professors and local inhabitants to look over the walls of their subject and share knowledge across faculties and disciplines.

Today, twenty years after the start, one can see that 'disruptive' innovation indeed requires more interdisciplinary R&D cooperation. Knowledge sharing and networking between disciplines proves to make business sense.

That doesn't mean the lectures should only continue because of economic use. Higher education could use a little bit of style and beauty. Moreover, the terrible challenges society faces today can only be solved in a climate of cooperation across disciplines, professions and social classes. And this will not only require knowledge but also drive and enthusiasm...