Inclusive Collaboration In and With the Humanities

Workshop Presentation
Barbara Endemaño Walker,  Melissa Bator,  Michele Schwietz,  Holly Unruh  

According to recent bibliometric studies of publication databases, less than 10% of humanities research publications are co-authored, compared to over 90% of those in science and engineering. This workshop will explore this dichotomy through a presentation of case studies and facilitated discussion with the audience. The presenters consist of research development professionals who guide university faculty in developing projects and writing competitive proposals for funding opportunities. The presenters will provide case studies from various collaborative projects at their institutions, including those within and among humanities disciplines, as well as projects that span disciplinary boundaries across creative arts, science, engineering, and social sciences. The session will also address challenges and opportunities for integrating indigenous knowledge and diverse epistemologies in collaborative humanities research in ways that catalyze innovation and foster intercultural understanding. Through case studies and discussion, the workshop will address the following questions: Why is collaboration in the humanities so rare, and what features of humanities scholarship uphold traditional patterns of solitary inquiry? What are best practices for humanities scholars to ensure their equitable participation in collaborations and full integration of their approaches in multi-disciplinary projects? How does collaborative work affect rewards for research among humanities faculty, such as promotion, tenure, and grant funding?