FAQ

Transdisciplinary research engages external stakeholders as key collaborators on projects for societal impact. It is a process and can take many different forms. It can be distinguished from disciplinary, multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary research by engaging societal actors in significant ways in the research process itself.

It means working alongside stakeholders to tackle a societal issue. This means being in dialogue about the issue itself and exchanging knowledge on how to address the issue. Activities can be quite varied from regular research including regular meetings off campus and producing non-academic publications. If you want to drive the research agenda on your own, then transdisciplinary approaches are not for you. However, consider whether you would receive rich insights from engaging with stakeholders.

Basic, fundamental research remains a cornerstone of university research. Transdisciplinary research serves as a source of critical insight and a buffer between societal problem-solving research and basic research.

Yes, you can find examples in the field stories section of this field guide.

We find that a helpful approach to ask them about their interest and experience in engaging with stakeholders. If they are curious or enthusiastic then it can be valuable to share other transdisciplinary stories. You can also give your colleagues a short quick experience interacting with societal actors.

The key is in building trust and relationships with stakeholders and asking them what they need and are concerned about. It is about being curious, humble, and ready to listen, understand and value their way of seeing the world and the issue you are addressing. Often stakeholders come together with researchers around a compelling question that fascinates and drives them. Find out more on the Stakeholder Engagement page.

Useful skills include for example communications, translating and bridging fields of knowledge, adopting a systems approach, facilitation, networking, team work and strategic learning. The most important thing you can do is to adopt a mindset of curiosity and interest in stakeholders knowledge and approach and use the skills of listening, self-reflection and inquiry. The Mindset & Skills page provides examples of training.

Great! Head over to the Transdisciplinary Research Processes page or the Methods & Resources page to get started in designing a transdisciplinary research project or adapting your current research approach. You can also join the Research Hubs and our Pathways community and sign up for the Pathways newsletter.

You can apply for seed funding from the Research Hubs, and we are also listing funding opportunities on the Resources page. Increasingly funding bodies are including criteria of partnering with societal actors in research to their funding criteria.

A variety of mainstream journals feature transdisciplinary research. The peer review process can be challenging if you come across a reviewer that fundamentally objects to this mode of research, so selecting the journal and editor carefully is a good idea. Search in the journal’s directory to see what they have published. Check the resources for reviews on the publishing patterns.