John Robinson

I have come to my present focus on problem-driven interdisciplinarity (interdisciplinary research and practice aimed at addressing sustainability issues in the world outside the academy) through a series of positions and institutions that fostered and supported work at the fringes of the dominant disciplinary culture of academia.

One thing I have learned in this journey is the power and productivity of collaborative research and practice. I have benefited immensely from the superb graduate students and colleagues I have been able to work with. Problem-driven interdisciplinary collaboration is hard, not least because of the extra time required to understand and work productively with researchers from other fields and also with partners in various outside communities. It requires a lot of dedication and a real commitment to collaboration. I have been lucky enough to work with people with that dedication and commitment.

On a more personal note, I have a wife and five sons who represent a continuous reminder of what really matters in life.