Interdisciplinary Studies at Duke
Duke's commitment to cross- and interdisciplinary research and teaching is a signature part of the university's identity and mission. Duke is dedicated to fostering an educational environment that equips students to grasp the multiple dimensions of complex problems such as environmental pollution, economic competitiveness, human health and cultural understanding. This commitment has spurred research innovation both within the disciplines and outside, pivotal to the university's mission to put knowledge in the service of society and a major attractor in faculty hiring and student recruitment.
Interdisciplinary Studies at Duke University is supported by a team of administrators and staff in the Provost’s Office, who provide a broad range of support, primarily to the University Institutes and Centers (UICs).
The Institutes
Duke's seven University Institutes and affiliated Centers (UICs) are a cornerstone of the university's commitment to inquiry across disciplines. 
The focus of the UICs on scholarship, education, and policy/practice contributes to Duke's mission of knowledge in the service of society through initiation and facilitation of novel collaborations and programming. The UICs are supported by a unique infrastructure and budgetary model, and are able to hire regular rank faculty and collaborate across the natural, social, and behavioral sciences. The UICs also support educational programs that bring together scholars and students from the undergraduate to postgraduate levels through degree and certificate programs, seminars, workshops, and research projects.