Convening Conversations

Solving grand challenges is as much about framing good questions and synthesizing existing knowledge as it is about new research. At NC State, this problem-solving is the focus of Think and Do Tanks.

Think and Do Tanks are led by the Office of University Interdisciplinary Programs in collaboration with Arts NC State and the Office of Partnerships at NC State. A Think and Do Tank is an interdisciplinary, publicly engaged initiative that brings together varied expertise and stakeholders to synthesize existing knowledge, frame impactful questions, and drive actionable solutions to complex societal challenges.

By leveraging the proven “synthesis center” model, Think and Do Tanks use existing data and discipline-spanning expertise to address questions that are big enough that single investigators and disciplines cannot solve alone, but well enough defined as to serve as a fruitful focus.

These Think and Do Tanks employ three primary engagement formats: Long-Table Discussions (informal discussions about important topics), Catalysis Meetings (a subset of long-table discussions that are large, intensive, one-time events), and Working Groups (small subset of catalysis meetings that grow into longer-term, larger efforts). NC State’s Think and Do Tanks will always include stakeholders who have the power or potential for power to make positive change on the basis of meeting results. NC State’s Think and Do Tanks prioritize those problems that emerge from listening to university partners and the public. This is the “do” in these Think and Do Tanks.

Integrating Art Into Interdisciplinarity

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