A Rich Mosaic of Impact: Julie Thompson Klein's Scholarly Influence in Australia and New Zealand

Abstract

Ten Australians and one New Zealander provide reflections on the influence of Julie Thompson Klein’s work on and in inter- and trans- disciplinarity. Even taking into account that this article is based on a small number of contributions from only one corner of the world, the reflections demonstrate the influence of a diverse array of Klein’s academic work, the ground-breaking nature of her book Interdisciplinarity: History, Theory, and Practice, the meticulousness of her scholarship that makes her voice authoritative, and the added benefits of personal connections. The contributions also demonstrate the value of reflective narratives in providing a more rounded and richer picture of an academic’s influence than traditional metrics, including – in Julie Thompson Klein’s case – non-citable enhancement of thinking and orientation, catalytic effects when her ideas are combined with others, and practical value in making sense of events and circumstances. Most importantly, assembling reflective narratives provides a window onto the unique attributes and contributions of individual researchers, educators and practitioners, illustrating and affirming the richness of differences and the importance of valuing and capitalising on them. Recognition of such diversity is not only essential to help individuals identify the strongest contributions they can make, but also critical for good inter- and trans-disciplinary research, education and practice