Interdisciplinary Synergy Bridging Gap between STEM and Humanities for Sustainable Development
Parween, Shagufta 1, Jameer MD, Roshan 2 and Kumuja, V Temuzion 3
1Assistant Professor, Department of English, Chaitanya Bharathi Institute of Technology (A), Orcid ID: 0009-0002-3298-0843
2Head & Assistant Professor, Department of English, Chaitanya Bharathi Institute of Technology (A)
ORCID: 0009-0002-5221-4137
Assistant Professor, Department of English, Chaitanya Bharathi Institute of Technology (A) ORCID: 0009-0009-8687-1504
Abstract
The discourse about sustainable development calls for a comprehensive approach transcending disciplinary bounds. Indeed, while the STEM (Science-Technology-Engineering-Mathematics) set in the technical base, namely tools and innovations to tackle global challenges, the humanities arm us with the sociology/ethics orientation and provide a coherent framework for understanding how societal/individual behaviour interacts in decision-making. The practice paper explores the theoretical tenets of interdisciplinary synergy, stressing the urgency of breaking down the divide between these two fields to allow the sustainable growth agenda to make real shifts and impacts. By synthesising the analytical acumen of STEM with the context- and interpretational strengths of the humanities, it is argued in this paper that we could have a sound and inclusive frame to address ill-structured issues, such as climate change, resource depletion, and societal inequity. This paper outlines the historical and structural divides between STEM and the humanities, illustrating how these have constrained their collaborative pursuits; it then provides the case studies of successful interdisciplinary programs tailored to merging scientific innovation with a perspective geared to the humanities in some capacity for the purposes of sustainability. In these cases, effective interdisciplinary collaboration was shown, especially in areas such as renewable energy, urban planning, and environmental policy. It also presents the issue of education as a supporter of interdisciplinary thinking and suggestions for curriculum and teaching methods which promote interactions between technical and humanistic fields. At the end of the work, the research maintains that a common language and mutual respect be created between the STEM and humanities sides. Interdisciplinary synergy will, therefore, present excellent opportunities for sustainable solutions to the current societal conditions, thus safeguarding future generations on fleeing.
Keywords: Interdisciplinary Synergy, STEM-Humanities Integration, Sustainable Development, Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration, Holistic Problem-Solving
Impact Statement
This research highlights the urgent need for interdisciplinary synergy between STEM and the humanities to address complex sustainability challenges. While STEM contributes technical solutions, the humanities offer ethical, cultural, and social insights critical for meaningful impact. The study explores historical divides, showcases successful collaborative models in areas like renewable energy and urban planning, and emphasizes the role of education in fostering integrated thinking. By promoting curriculum reforms and mutual respect between disciplines, the paper argues for a unified framework to tackle global issues. This approach advances inclusive, ethical, and effective pathways toward sustainable development and intergenerational well-being.
About Author
Dr. Shagufta Parween, Head of the Department of English at Chaitanya Bharathi Institute of Technology, Hyderabad, is a distinguished academician with over 16 years of experience in teaching and research. A Gold Medalist in M.A. English and a Ph.D. holder in English Literature with a specialization in Indian English Novels, she has contributed significantly to academia through her expertise in English Language and Literature, Business Communication, Technical Writing Skills, Soft Skills, and Employability Skills at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Her research has been featured in reputed international journals, and she remains actively engaged in conferences and professional development programs. Renowned for her dynamic and student-centric teaching methodology, Dr. Parween consistently explores innovative strategies to enhance learner engagement and effectiveness in the classroom. Her unwavering dedication to academic excellence and educational transformation continues to shape the lives of countless students.
Roshan Jameer MD, is an Assistant Professor associated with Department of English at Chaitanya Bharathi Institute of Technology, Hyderabad, India. With over two decades of pedagogical leadership in English Language Teaching (ELT) at tertiary and postgraduate levels, she has cultivated a distinguished career marked by scholarly rigor and transformative educational practices. Her trajectory has been defined by a steadfast commitment to advancing ELT methodologies in engineering colleges through cutting-edge research, Her research works have been published in national and international journals across the academia. She also acts as reviewer for various journals which displays her unwavering assiduity to fostering collaborative solutions within the English teaching community. Her conferences and patent works speak for her ever learning nature and zeal for knowledge. She equips students to navigate the evolving demands of global communication, to prepare the next generation of engineers with proficient communication.
V Temuzion Kumuja, Assistant Professor in the Department of English at Chaitanya Bharathi Institute of Technology, Hyderabad, is a renowned academician with over 12 years of experience in teaching across various states of India. He completed his Masters in English from Hyderabad Central University and qualified TS&APSET in 2015 and TESOL from Arizona State University in 2023. He has contributed significantly to academia through his expertise not only in English Language, Business Communication, Technical Writing Skills, Soft Skills, and Employability Skills but also Indian Constitution & French Language at undergraduate level. His research articles have been published in various international journals, and he remains actively engaged in conferences, patents and professional development programs. Mr. Temuzion consistently explores innovative strategies to enhance learner engagement and effectiveness in the classroom. His persistent dedication to academic progress and educational transformation continues to hone the career of numerous students.
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