Around the World—in Eight Days
The dream of a world seamlessly connected by high-speed travel and digital networks often depends on something more elemental: human connection. Technological innovation has opened the door to extraordinary collaboration across continents, cultures, and disciplines. But when people work in silos, even the most advanced tools cannot fulfill the promise of progress. Lasting solutions to our world’s most pressing challenges require shared insight—and shared action.
Few understand this better than Dr. Bopaya Bidanda, the Ernest Roth Professor of Industrial Engineering at the University of Pittsburgh Swanson School of Engineering. This spring, Bidanda took his mission on the road, visiting South Korea, Kenya, and South Africa as part of his work with the Center for Industry Studies and Transdisciplinary Research at Pitt. Over eight whirlwind days, he met with a wide range of collaborators—from university faculty and business leaders to OB/GYNs, trauma surgeons, and traditional healers—to exchange ideas and tackle real-world problems through a transdisciplinary lens.
“The challenges and opportunities we face today are deeply interconnected,” said Bidanda. “The most impactful solutions will emerge not from a single discipline but from the dynamic intersection of many.”
From Seoul: Reimagining the Future of Industrial Engineering
Bidanda’s global journey began in Seoul, South Korea, where he served as keynote speaker at the 2025 12th International Conference on Industrial Engineering and Applications. Speaking to an audience of more than 200 attendees representing over 20 countries, he offered a sweeping perspective on the past, present, and future of industrial engineering.
In his keynote, Bidanda emphasized the need for the discipline to evolve—to expand beyond its traditional boundaries and integrate emerging fields like artificial intelligence, sustainability, and energy systems. He advocated for a model of education that gives students hands-on, cross-disciplinary experience and prepares them for leadership in a rapidly transforming world.
“We must empower students to work across disciplines,” he said. “As educators, we have a responsibility to model and promote a transdisciplinary mindset for the next generation of problem solvers.”
In Kenya: Community-Driven Solutions to Life-Saving Challenges
Next stop: Nairobi. In partnership with Pitt’s BLOODSAFE – Pathways of Innovation in Blood Transfusion Systems in Kenya, Bidanda led training sessions on project management with local leaders in rural communities. Funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), the initiative brings together experts across fields to address life-threatening health challenges like postpartum hemorrhage through more efficient blood collection and distribution systems.
Bidanda helped train members of newly formed Community-Facility Transfusion Committees (CFTCs)—equipping them with essential managerial tools of team building.
“We’re part of a team with engineers, trauma surgeons, OB/GYNs, and social scientists, alongside the very community leaders who know the needs on the ground,” said Bidanda. “Everyone brings something critical. Engineers are tackling bottlenecks in the supply chain. Social scientists are increasing community engagement. Medical professionals are focused on saving lives. Together, we build solutions.”
In South Africa: Laying Groundwork for Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Bidanda wrapped up his journey in Johannesburg, South Africa, where he met with Pitt alumnus Adeola Adetunji (MBA ’93), CEO of Mvoula Investment Group and member of Pitt’s Chancellor’s Global Advisory Council. The two are working together to establish a Manufacturing Assistance Center (MAC) in Lagos, Nigeria—modeled after the successful MAC that Bidanda co-founded in Titusville, PA.
The planned Lagos MAC aims to spur entrepreneurship and job creation through hands-on skills training, prototyping facilities, and technical support for local businesses. However, recent political shifts in the region have delayed progress.
“I bring the engineering side, and Mr. Adetunji brings invaluable business expertise,” said Bidanda. “But without navigating the political landscape, we’ve hit roadblocks. That’s why we’re building broader networks—to bring in more voices and move this project forward.”
Back at Pitt: Sustaining a Culture of Collaboration
From the streets of Seoul to the rural clinics of Kenya and the boardrooms of Johannesburg, Bidanda’s journey illustrates the power of transdisciplinary thinking in action.
Back in Pittsburgh, he continues to foster that same spirit as director of the Center for Industry Studies, which supports collaborative research through its Transdisciplinary Awards Program.
Current projects funded by the Center include:
- Designing sustainable school transportation systems for K–12 students.
- Developing analytics to address failures in healthcare operations.
- Combating nuclear smuggling and organized transnational crime.
Though these projects span vastly different domains, they share a common thread: each involves researchers from multiple disciplines—and often multiple countries—working toward a better world.
“The Center brings global experts together to reimagine how we solve problems,” said Bidanda. “These collaborations don’t just advance knowledge—they create ripple effects that drive innovation far beyond the boundaries of any one field.”