SHAPE-ID is an EU-funded project addressing the challenge of improving inter- and transdisciplinary cooperation between the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences (AHSS) and other Sciences, particularly Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines. The project has established a comprehensive knowledge base covering the different understandings of inter- and transdisciplinary research (IDR), the factors that inhibit or support it and a set of success criteria for meaningful AHSS integration within IDR for approaching key societal challenges. Through a literature review, survey and a series of learning case workshops, the project has gathered evidence from the experience of IDR stakeholders. SHAPE-ID ultimately delivered a toolkit and recommendations, including a policy brief, to guide European policy makers, funders, Universities and researchers in achieving successful pathways to interdisciplinary integration between AHSS and other Sciences, as well as within AHSS disciplines.

SHAPE-ID is a timely initiative. The European Commission is committed to fully integrating AHSS disciplines into the funding instruments of its Horizon Europe research and innovation funding programme, as well as to making AHSS a fundamental component of its evidence base for policy making. At present, however, there remain many barriers to thorough and successful implementation of IDR. It is anticipated that the recommendations from SHAPE-ID will help the European Commission assess the potential of AHSS integration for responding to the significant challenges Europe faces in areas like health, food and agriculture, climate change, technological innovation and security, among others.