University teaching has become increasingly specialised over the centuries. But the topics addressed in research today increasingly require an interdisciplinary approach.  Leibniz Association president Matthias Kleiner sees a renaissance of universal research.

Alexander von Humboldt is often described as one of the last universal scholars. Not just a celebrated natural scientist, he also had an extensive knowledge of anthropology, history and geology. Such polymathic expertise was not rare in the 17th and 18th centuries. The philosopher Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz was well‑versed in mathematics and law, the physicist Isaac Newton was also a philosopher and theologian. The classical breed of universal scholar died out a long time ago; polymathy cannot deliver the highly specialised knowledge needed in academic disciplines today. But that does not mean the days of universal research are over. Indeed, Leibniz Association President Matthias Kleiner believes the opposite is the case. He sees interdisciplinary cooperation as the answer to the often complex challenges of our time (Wolfgang Mulke).

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