Network of Interdisciplinary Initiatives (NII)
 

Recognizing the need to better seed, sustain, and support interdisciplinary programs at the University of Washington, the Graduate School established the Network of Interdisciplinary Initiatives (NII) in Autumn Quarter 2004.  Beginning with the interdisciplinary programs housed in the Graduate School, the Associate Dean for Academic Programs and a Post-doctoral Researcher sought to understand structural barriers and opportunities for engaging in interdisciplinary research and teaching at the University.  Findings from these discussions were presented at the inaugural meeting on February 15, 2005.

The NII has continued its activities since then under guidance from the  NII Working Group to advocate for institutional changes in policy and practice surrounding interdisciplinary work at UW.

The larger goal of the Network of Interdisciplinary Initiatives is to reach out to the  broader UW three-campus community to identify interdisciplinary programs and organize a critical mass for seeding, supporting, and sustaining interdisciplinary initiatives.