Research collaborations are an effective and necessary way to marshal resources and address complex, specialized problems. The U.S. federal government spends billions annually to fund research, much of which is directed toward research centers or teams (National Institutes of Health, 2012; National Science Foundation [NSF], 2014a). That level of investment, both by researchers and funders, demonstrates significant confidence that collaborations will be successful yet research suggests many collaborations can be frustrating with many groups underachieving or failing altogether (Kezar, 2005; Rhoten, 2004). This study used a qualitative, multiple case study approach to examine factors influencing combined STEM/social science interdisciplinary research collaborations. Fifteen members of three different research groups participated in two rounds of interviews at Bridgetown State University - a large, Midwestern research institution. Findings suggest there are institutional/external, group, and individual level inputs/antecedents to, and potential outcomes from, interdisciplinary collaborations. Emerging from this study is the Model of Factors Influencing Interdisciplinary Research Collaborations (MFIIRC). The study has theoretical and practical implications and has highlighted a number of areas for further investigation. Limitations of this research include a dearth of female principal investigators willing/available to participate in the study and a lack of racial/ethnic diversity among participants.
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