Interdisciplinarity Dimension in Research Information Systems – Evidence from Poland

Research information systems (RIS) or scientific information systems (SIS), alike enterprise information systems (EIS), should cover interdisciplinarity aspects as a dimension that influences significantly research potential and activity of particular scientists.The aim of the work is to investigate the Polish scientific environment related to life sciences and engineering, with reference to its interdisciplinarity. It is believed that researchers having knowledge and experience in many different scientific areas are more successful and prone to make substantial scientific discoveries. Analysing Polish scientific achievements with respect to research projects granted and publications of the leading researchers, author states that scientists with multi-scientific background are more effective in granting additional funding for research. However, multidisciplinarity (interdisciplinarity), in terms of subject areas of specialization, has limitations. Author expects, that number of disciplines in which particular scientist has an experience might be extended with a success only to certain level.Preliminary results suggest, that interdisciplinarity background of individual scientists need to be incorporated in RIS/SIS as an obligatory dimension. It is of great importance for potential research cooperation, policy advisors and authorities financing research activities, as well as for business searching for professionals in differentiated scientific fields.