CROSS program celebrates 12 years of interdisciplinary research
© 2025 EPFL, Daryl Jeker
The CROSS Conference 2024, organized by the EPFL College of Humanities (CDH), brought together experts from EPFL and the University of Lausanne (UNIL) to discuss projects supported over the past twelve years. Held on Friday, December 13, 2024, the conference provided a platform for researchers to present their findings and explore the future of science and society collaboration.
The Collaborative Research on Science and Society (CROSS) Program is a joint initiative between EPFL and UNIL designed to foster interdisciplinary research on pressing societal and technological issues. Since its inception in 2013, the program has awarded funding to 52 projects out of 152 applications, with a total financial commitment of over CHF 3 million. Each year, a maximum of six projects are selectedto receive seed funding that enables researchers to test innovative ideas and prepare for larger-scale funding. At the CROSS Conference 2024, participants presented projects spanning the last three years.
Looking back at three years of interdisciplinary collaborations
Moderated by EPFL Professor Jamie Paik (EPFL), the first panel focused on the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in research. Scientists and scholars from different fields shared the challenges and benefits of working across disciplines, emphasizing how collaboration enriches projects by combining technical expertise with social perspectives. The panel highlighted how the CROSS funding enabled teams to take risks, experiment with new methods, and lay the foundation for long-term research partnerships. The collaboration between EPFL and UNILcreated innovative synergies that otherwise would not have emerged.
The second panel on the societal impact of CROSS-supported research was moderated by Professor Alain Kaufmann (UNIL). Discussions revolved around how academic projects can positively influence public policy, industry, and communities. Researchers emphasized that collaborating with policymakers, local authorities, and non-academic stakeholders is crucial to ensure that their work leads to meaningful, long-term societal benefits. While initial challenges arose, particularly in adapting scientific findings to real-world constraints, the flexibility of CROSS funding helped teams navigate these complexities.
The final panel, led by CDH director and Professor Frédéric Kaplan (EPFL), the final panel focused on how CROSS projects can evolve into larger research initiatives with long-term impact. Participants emphasized that CROSS provides a crucial stepping stone for projects to gain credibility and secure larger grants from organizations like SNSF (Swiss National Science Foundation) and Horizon Europe. One key takeaway was the need for continuous funding and institutional support to sustain the momentum of successful interdisciplinary research. Researchers also stressed the importance of documenting interdisciplinary methodologies, as these insights could guide future collaborations.
The role of CROSS in shaping the future
The conference concluded with an open discussion on the administration and impact of the CROSS program, moderated by Dr. Gabriela Tejada (EPFL), deputy director of CDH, and Dr. Claire Arnold (UNIL). They discussed how while CHF 60,000 funding cap is effective for early-stage research, additional resources could enhance long-term success. Overall, researchers praised CROSS for its role in breaking disciplinary silos, fostering innovation, and preparing projects for long-term societal impact.
As the program moves forward, the CROSS 2026 call will encourage researchers to continue exploring new interdisciplinary approaches, further strengthening the bridge between science, technology, and society.