Editor's Challenge in Interdisciplinary Physics: What is Interdisciplinary Physics?

About this Research Topic

Background

Interdisciplinary physics is physics that transcends its boundaries with other disciplines. The immediate picture formed in one's mind when reading this is of a map where the disciplines are represented as countries. Does this mean that interdisciplinary physics is those parts of the neighboring countries, sorry disciplines, that have been invaded by physics? Surely, that cannot be it.

In 2014 I wrote the article "Grand Challenges in Interdisciplinary Physics" [1]. Here I argued that the character of physics has changed from being defined by the topics it studies, but by the method physics solves problems. To be blunt, with this point of view physics is reduced to another tool in the toolboxes of other disciplines. Surely, physics is more than that.

So, what is interdisciplinary physics? This is a question that the editors of this section faces time and time again. They have to decide whether the newly arrived manuscript in front of them is out of scope or not. What do you do with a manuscript that would be publishable in an engineering journal, has no references to any physics journals but uses methodology straight out of physics?
Are we perhaps moving in the direction of disciplines loosing their utility.

The aim of this Editor's Challenge Research Topic is to elucidate the meaning of interdisciplinary physics. It might be through articles focusing on research that highlight interdisciplinarity, or it might be through articles discussing the question on a meta level. It would also be of great interest seeing articles looking forwards. Hence, we welcome:
- Perspective articles (<3000 words) : to present a viewpoint on a specific area of investigation, discussing current advances and future directions with a clear presentation of the authors’ perspective and outlook.
- Opinion pieces (<2000 words): to contribute viewpoints on the interpretation of recent findings in any research area, value of the methods used, as well as weaknesses and strengths of scientific hypotheses to encourage constructive discussion.
- Mini reviews (<3000 words) : to offer a succinct and clear summary of a topic, allowing readers to get up-to-date on new developments and/or emerging concepts. Discussing different schools of thought or controversies, current research gaps, and potential future developments in the field.

We welcome abstract submission ahead of article submission, or authors may contact the Editor directly to discuss your ideas/suggestions.

The Specialty Chief Editors of Frontiers in Physics launch a new series of Research Topics to highlight current challenges across the field of Physics. Other titles in the series are:
Editor's Challenge in Radiation Detectors and Imaging: Emerging Technologies
Editor's Challenge in Social Physics: Misinformation and Cooperation
Editor's Challenge in Atomic and Molecular Physics: Applications and Advances in Fundamental Physics
Editor's Challenge in Quantum Engineering and Technology: Economic Impact and Perspectives of Quantum Technologies
Editor's Challenge in Optics and Photonics: Advancing Electronics with Photonics


[1] Hansen A (2014) Grand challenges in interdisciplinary physics. Front. Phys. 2:58. doi: 10.3389/fphy.2014.00058

Keywords: interdisciplinary, physics, opinion

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.

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