The aim of the present paper is to discuss the relationship between interdisciplinarity and research; it discusses the main current problems and challenges, and the debate in France as well. To accomplish this, the paper initially reviews the main foundations of interdisciplinarity, as well as the international context of research-related discussions. Next it demonstrates, through the sociology of science, the construction of an interdisciplinary field of research. Finally, it discusses the different sets of problems and challenges that are faced by practicing interdisciplinary research. These include the challenges of coordination and organization of collective research, communication among researchers, scientific and epistemological dilemmas, and the setting of criteria for scientific certification. These problems and challenges constitute, in the last analysis, a framework for a review of the literature and a contribution to the theory of interdisciplinarity, as associated with Brazilian research and graduate studies