Collaborative Research and Action: The Changzhou Worker Wellness Project

Abstract

As emphasized in this book, collaborative research and learning, across disciplines and societal sectors, is critical to address complex health and social problems. Over the past century, there has been an increasing focus on such “transdisciplinary” approaches in the scientific literature, teaching and interventions. However, researchers and practitioners in specific disciplines often question the value of and scientific basis for transdisciplinary work. Further, putting transdisciplinary methods into real-world action remains highly challenging. What does it really mean to engage effectively with the diverse stakeholders needed to solve complex problems? Therefore, it is important to advance not only the scientific rationale for transdisciplinarity, but also have case examples. In this chapter, we summarize the pragmatic problem-solving concerns that catalyzed the transdisciplinary movement as well as the transformation of perspectives about ontology and epistemology that provide a scientific foundation for transdisciplinary research and action.