The Future of Education

Modern day issues in science and technology arise from a complex background, one that encompasses many different areas of knowledge. When developing public policy with respect to science and technology and its relationship to society, it is necessary to draw upon a broad range of specialties and professional expertise. Interdisciplinary, interprofessional collaboration between scientists is so important that it should not be limited to emergent problem solving, but, instead, should be developed and trained as part of the education process.

The field of medical treatment and healthcare has already recognized the above ideas, as can be seen in its emphasis on “team medicine,” and in its efforts at a new education to help encourage it. Interprofessional education (IPE) has become a key element in this new education.

The U.K.-based Centre for the Advancement of Interprofessional Education (CAIPE) elaborates on IPE – what it is, what it can achieve: “Interprofessional Education occurs when two or more professions learn with, from and about each other to improve collaboration and the quality of care.”  

IPE has been shown to have the following effects:

・works to improve the quality of care

・focuses on the needs of service users and carers

・involves service users and carers

・respects the integrity and contribution of each profession

・enhances practice within professions

・increases professional satisfaction

A growing interprofessional approach has been seen not only in IPE, but also in the focus on interdisciplinary education within the liberal arts. As for science education, it seems to become increasingly important in the future. This study considers the interdisciplinary approach to science education at the University of Tokyo in Japan.