Methodology and Criteria for Interdisciplinary Research
Interdisciplinary Research · Al-Ahliyya Amman University
THE ISR Framework — Applicable Disciplines at AAU
AAU's ISR Methodology in Practice
AAU's application of the ISR methodology is grounded in bibliometric evidence. The university's research output from 2021 to 2025, analyzed across 4,064 peer-reviewed publications using Scopus and SciVal data, confirms that 1,873 papers meet the interdisciplinary classification criteria, representing 46% of total output. These papers achieve a Mean FWCI of 3.065, a Mean Topic Prominence Percentile of 90.758, and cover an average of 2.4 subject areas per paper, compared to 1.0 for single-discipline publications.
These papers achieve is compared to 1.0 for single-discipline publications. This evidence base informs AAU's internal screening process and is monitored in real time through the Interdisciplinary Research Performance Dashboard, a live bibliometric intelligence platform that tracks cross-disciplinary indicators, FWCI, Topic Prominence, and ISR alignment across AAU and its partner universities.
These papers achieve is compared to 1.0 for single-discipline publications. This evidence base informs AAU's internal screening process and is monitored in real time through the Interdisciplinary Research Performance Dashboard, a live bibliometric intelligence platform that tracks cross-disciplinary indicators, FWCI, Topic Prominence, and ISR alignment across AAU and its partner universities.
4,064
Publications Analyzed
2021 – 2025
2021 – 2025
1,873
46% of Total Output
ISR-Eligible Papers
3.065
vs. 2.190 single-discipline
Mean FWCI (ISR Papers)
90.758
Mean Topic Prominence
Percentile
Percentile
2.4
vs. 1.0 single-discipline
Avg. Subject Areas
per Paper
per Paper
Institutional Application of the ISR Methodology
At AAU, the ISR methodology is used not only as a reference for understanding interdisciplinary science research, but also as an internal framework for identifying, screening, and strengthening eligible research outputs. This includes reviewing the disciplinary composition of each publication, the scientific scope of the journal, the diversity of author backgrounds, citation patterns, and the extent to which the research integrates one or more core scientific disciplines with another eligible field.
Criteria for Classifying Research as Interdisciplinary
1
Multi-Subject Classification
Research spanning two or more core science subjects, or combining at least one core science with an eligible non-STEM discipline. This is the primary internal screening criterion at AAU.
2.4 subjects
avg. per ISR paper — 140% above the 1.0 average for single-discipline output
2
Citation Network Analysis
Research citing sources from different scientific fields reflects cross-disciplinary intellectual engagement.
3
Author and Institutional Collaboration
Authors from different academic disciplines or institutions indicate breadth of collaborative interdisciplinary engagement.
4.5 institutions
avg. partner institutions per AAU interdisciplinary paper
4
Journal Classification and Scope
Research published in journals covering multiple disciplines, or classified as interdisciplinary by Scopus or Web of Science.
5
Keyword and Abstract Analysis
Research citing sources from different scientific fields reflects cross-disciplinary intellectual engagement.
6
Cross-Discipline Citation Impact (C-Score)
Measures the extent to which citations originate from disciplines other than the primary field.
+47% citations
AAU ISR papers receive 47% more citations on average than single-discipline output
7
Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI)
Assesses publication quality relative to the global average for the field, as used in THE ISR methodology. A score above 1.0 indicates a publication is cited more than expected for its field.
3.065
ISR Papers — Mean FWCI
2.190
Single-Discipline — Mean FWCI
+40%
ISR Advantage — 2025 Study
8
SDG Alignment and Societal Relevance
Research that explicitly addresses one or more UN Sustainable Development Goals demonstrates cross-disciplinary societal relevance. Papers that integrate findings from multiple disciplines to contribute to SDG frameworks — such as health, clean energy, climate action, or reduced inequalities — reflect the kind of boundary-crossing inquiry that defines interdisciplinary science research.
Internal Screening Requirements for AAU Publications
For internal classification purposes, AAU considers a research output more suitable for interdisciplinary science evaluation when it demonstrates clear evidence across key publication components, including the title, abstract, author names and disciplinary affiliations, keywords, journal scope, references, and collaboration profile. Additional value is given to publications that show integration across disciplines in their methodology, citation pattern, and intended scientific or societal application.
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Important — THE ISR 2026 Classification Criteria
According to THE ISR 2026 methodology, research is classified as interdisciplinary science research when it includes either two or more core scientific disciplines, or at least one core scientific discipline combined with one or more eligible non-STEM disciplines: social sciences, education, psychology, law, economics, or clinical and health. It may also qualify when it combines two different topics within a single applicable core science subject under THE's 31-subject breakdown.
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Institutional Commitment
At AAU, the ISR methodology is not a passive reference. It is an active institutional tool that shapes how research is designed, screened, classified, and reported. Every interdisciplinary research team, publication, and initiative is evaluated against these criteria to ensure that AAU's cross-disciplinary output is both genuinely integrative and internationally competitive.
