Abstract: The Desert Knowledge Cooperative Research Centre (DKCRC) is an exciting and innovative venture, which has attracted a broad range of excellent researchers and which has real potential to make a difference to the desert region. DKCRC managers and researchers have already made significant inroads in meeting the integrative challenges. This report provides a systematised account of formal knowledge about integration and its application to the work of the DKCRC. A case is made for promoting on-going explicit consideration of integration in the research of the DKCRC, giving the DKCRC the potential to be a world-leader in the application of integrative research strategies.