Institutional reform

Fu says conducting interdisciplinary research means choosing a different path and researchers may face institutional challenges as well as academic risks.

"Sometimes we feel that we are caught between different departments and we don't know where to apply for research funds," Fu says.

Tsinghua University has rolled out measures to improve the management, organization, cultural environment and support systems for interdisciplinary research.

According to Qiu Yong, president of Tsinghua, the university has set up a working committee to promote interdepartmental cooperation and leverage university resources to support interdisciplinary research projects. It has also secured funding for this purpose.

"We allow teachers to work part-time in different departments and schools. In addition, we have also set up an interdisciplinary degree system," Qiu says.

These institutional reforms have reassured Fu. "We are greatly inspired as we have been given more support and space in conducting interdisciplinary research," Fu says.