Radical Collaboration

Cornell faculty are reaching across disciplines to tackle society’s most complex challenges and to make breakthrough discoveries. These radical collaborations—collisions of thoughts and perspectives from vastly different fields—lead to unexpected and unconventional solutions and deepen our thinking.


Superconducting quantum material has an organic twist

An interdisciplinary team of Cornell researchers has created a cohort of new quantum metamaterials that can achieve superconductivity at temperatures competitive with state-of-the-art solid-state materials synthesis. 

PolyForm celebrates mission, spirit of Human Ecology

Featuring color-shifting walls and folded stainless-steel modules, the permanent pavilion designed by Jenny Sabin (AAP) and her practice serves as a new gateway to – and symbol of – the interdisciplinary college.

Mice licking could reveal mysteries of the human brain

Cornell researchers have developed a technique for revealing how the motor cortex in the brain works – by focusing on a mouse’s tongue when it licks a water spout.

Cheap, user-friendly smartphone app predicts vineyard yields

Cornell engineers and plant scientists have teamed up to develop a low-cost system that allows grape growers to predict their yields much earlier in the season and more accurately than costly traditional methods.

Confusion about vaccine guidelines could prolong pandemic

Many Americans remain confused about when COVID-19 vaccines provide strong protection and the need for continued public health precautions, according to new Cornell research.

Research paves way for wireless charging of electric vehicles

Cornell researchers are pioneering an innovative approach for the wireless charging of electric vehicles and other machines while they remain in motion.

Earth Day forum: Barrett maps food systems past mid-century

To feed the world in a healthy, sustainable way, nations need to reorient today’s agri-food systems for distant generations, said Chris Barrett at an Earth Day forum.

Global food systems expert joins Cornell

Mario Herrero, a leading global expert in sustainable food systems, will join the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) and become the university’s second Cornell Atkinson Scholar.

Mellon grant boosts collaborative projects for equity, social justice

The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation has approved a grant of $1.2 million to extend the Mellon Collaborative Studies in Architecture, Urbanism and the Humanities interdisciplinary seminar series at Cornell for three years with a focus on social justice.