Research Clusters Spur Productive Collaboration in a Fast-changing World
A coordinated focus on key themes will draw on different disciplines and promises to have an impact on the wider community

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One important aspect of CityU’s strategic plan has been to identify a number of overarching research themes that bring together scholars and experts from different disciplines.
In identifying these areas, the aim is to spur productive interdisciplinary collaboration, thereby enhancing the University’s ability to address wide-ranging academic questions, but also to respond to the very real challenges facing society at large in a fast-changing and ever more connected world.
The basic brief for each area is to make an impact through ideas, innovations and publications, as well as providing a sustainable, long-term agenda for teaching and related outreach activities.
In line with the University’s strategy, the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (CLASS) has established three research clusters, namely One Health, Digital Society, and Smart City. Faculty members are shaping the direction of interdisciplinary research initiatives and showing why such an approach has become essential.
Tackling Health Issues Through an Interdisciplinary Approach
Coincidentally, COVID-19 serves as a good example. It is an animal-based disease which jumped the species barrier to infect humans. That has happened before, this time, though, it has led to a global pandemic, with all the additional complications that inevitably ensue.