Abstract
I examine the topic of training scientific generalists. To focus the
discussion, I propose the creation of a new graduate program, analogous
in structure to existing MD/PhD programs, aimed at training a critical
mass of scientific researchers with substantial intellectual breadth. In
addition to completing the normal requirements for a PhD, students would
undergo an intense, several year training period designed to expose them
to the core vocabulary of multiple subjects at the graduate level. After
providing some historical and philosophical context for this proposal, I
outline how such a program could be implemented with little
institutional overhead by existing research universities. Finally, I
discuss alternative possibilities for training generalists by taking
advantage of contemporary developments in online learning and open
science.