Transdisziplinäre

Transdisziplinär describes an approach to research and problem-solving that integrates knowledge and methods from multiple academic disciplines as well as from practical experience outside of academia. Unlike multidisciplinary or interdisciplinary approaches, transdisciplinarity explicitly seeks to involve non-academic stakeholders, such as policymakers, community members, or industry professionals, in the research process. The goal is to address complex, real-world issues that cannot be adequately understood or resolved within the confines of a single discipline or even a collaboration solely among academics.

This collaborative method aims to generate knowledge that is both scientifically sound and relevant to societal needs. It acknowledges that different forms of expertise, including traditional knowledge and lived experience, are valuable for tackling multifaceted challenges. Transdisciplinary research often involves co-designing research questions, collecting and analyzing data together, and jointly developing solutions or recommendations. The emphasis is on creating actionable outcomes that contribute to social learning and sustainable change. The process can be iterative and requires open communication and mutual respect among all participants. It is particularly well-suited for issues like climate change, public health, and sustainable development.