Graduate Interdisciplinary Programs Honored GIDP Faculty Raphael Gruener, as Director of Graduate Interdisciplinary Programs, advanced Herbert E. Carter’s vision by formalizing the GIDP initiative. Dr. Gruener brought the Programs together officially, and assembled the GIDP System as we know it today. Believing that interdisciplinarity must be fluid to stay on the cutting edge of scientific exploration and knowledge generation, new GIDPs were created and others were restructured under his leadership. This stronger network of cooperative relationships provided an essential foundation for a wide spectrum of collaborations by academia, the private sector, and the high technology industry. Dr. Gruener’s present role as Director of Technology Initiatives in the Office of Economic Development at The University of Arizona’s Science & Technology Park exemplifies the concept that scientific endeavors take place through the synthesis of ideas that cross disciplinary boundaries. He is currently involved in State-wide activities for the development of biotechnology and interdisciplinary research within the University, the State and internationally. Dr. Gruener participated in the development of C-Path, a newly established think-tank and research center targeting the exploration of novel methodologies and policies for maintaining safety and commercial viability while accelerating drug development. This activity typifies the GIDP concept, and underscores the fact that the future will be shaped through a wide range of paradigms and areas of specialization. Gruener is currently involved in the planning of a new biosciences and biotechnology park where interdisciplinary concepts will be transformed to new drugs and medical devices for the benefit of Arizonans and the international community.