Transdisciplinary Research Process Research Articles

What qualitative systems mapping is and what it could be: integrating and visualizing diverse knowledge of complex problems

Researchers in sustainability science deal with increasingly complex problems that cross administrative, geographical, disciplinary, and sectoral boundaries, and are characterized by high stakes and deep uncertainties. This in turn creates methodological challenges to frame, structure, and solve complex problems in science and practice. There is a long tradition in visualizing systems as diagrams, and concept and cognitive maps, but there is insufficient differentiation and comparison between these methods and no clear umbrella term has yet been established. Against this background, we systematically review three foundational methods from different academic disciplines—causal diagrams, concept mapping, and cognitive mapping. Comparing and contrasting them, we facilitate a coherent understanding of qualitative systems mapping (QSM) as an umbrella term. We then proceed to explore the evident intersections between these methods to showcase some of the inter- and transdisciplinary opportunities and challenges crystallizing in integrated QSM approaches. Finally, we share case study insights from the food–water–biodiversity nexus in Austria and elaborate on some of the methodological nuances to data integration in QSM. Overall, with this overview paper, we lay the groundwork for a systematic, transparent, and yet flexible development and application of QSM methods to support mixed-methods research design and clear case study documentation, as well as fostering effective inter- and transdisciplinary communication in sustainability science. Further research needs to explore these QSM applications in depth across alternative sustainability science contexts, particularly with respect to efficient and rigorous protocols for knowledge and data integration vis-a-vis complex problems and transdisciplinary research processes.

Insights into 15 years of transdisciplinary research on a small Greek island

Small islands offer unique conditions for studying human-nature relations. Our study uses the real-world laboratory concept to reflect on a long-term transdisciplinary research process that aimed to facilitate a sustainability transition for an entire island.This article introduces a long-term transdisciplinary research process on the Greek island of Samothraki, aiming at sustainability solutions that are not only scientifically sound, but also co-designed, well received and adopted by the local community. We reflect on 15 years of socioecological research by utilizing the conceptual lens of real-world laboratories (RwLs). We present the research approach pursued on the island, based on a sociometabolic understanding of society-nature interaction, by relating local natural resources (and their self-regenerating capacities) to their social utilization and the resulting environmental pressures. We reflect on the research activities by using an established evaluation framework based on the three RwL principles: the “lab context”, “experiments”, and “interventions”. We describe success and setbacks by integrating, as objects of evaluation, the research process, its outputs, outcomes, and impacts. While we can certainly showcase success in terms of research design, scientific outputs, and institutional outcomes, gauging potential impacts poses a more challenging task.

Harvesting the fruits of transdisciplinary knowledge integration: The EGON project on commons-based organic fruit breeding

Evaluations on transdisciplinary research suggest that co-creation should place greater emphasis on the first steps of co-design. This report provides insights and reflections on a sustainable fruit breeding project initiated by practitioners.The research project EGON explored a new organizational approach in the fruit sector that builds upon common ownership and collective management: commons-based organic fruit breeding. As agricultural and breeding actors initiated the writing of the research proposal, they became involved on equal footing in the joint problem framing and design of the research project from the very start. In this Design Report, we explore contextual factors in the co-design and co-production phase and their influence on the research process, as well as scientific and societal effects. Based on interviews with scientific and practitioner partners in the consortium, we find that early and continuous professional networking with practitioners is essential for fruitful transdisciplinary research processes. Also, joint activities like common excursions, seminars, and joint conference presentations have been valuable to develop mutual understanding, curiosity, and trust. What turned out to be crucial for the commons-based approach of the project were adequate funding opportunities for practitioners in systematic and scientifically supported breeding processes.

Applied theatre as transdisciplinary research: JustUs and the quest for second-order change

ABSTRACT This article advances transdisciplinarity as a potentially useful applied theatre theory and method. It maps the ways transdisciplinary research principles informed and framed an applied theatre project and suggests that making applied theatre explicit rather than implicit as a transdisciplinary research process may help practitioners conceptualise and manage projects. In our case, it also increased our ability to contribute to second-order (systemic) change. I argue that applied theatre was always-already transdisciplinary research but articulating this alignment may be helpful to both practice and analysis. The project presented here implemented applied theatre in a university-community partnership addressing youth justice.

A Critical Realist Approach to Reflexivity in Sustainability Research

In sustainability science, the research is expected to go beyond disciplinary thinking and incorporate different concepts, methods, and data to explore nature–society interactions at different levels and scales. In realizing these expectations, reflexivity is often noted as an influential factor in inter- and transdisciplinary research processes in sustainability science, wherein researchers reflect on their assumptions, judgments, roles, and positions in the research processes, rethink their ways of knowing and doing, and open up new possibilities for actions. Despite the growing literature on the notion of reflexivity in sustainability science and how it emerges during the research processes, the debates and discussions are often based on lessons learned from sustainability research projects, drawing on individuals’ experiences and motivations. This paper aims to grapple with the notion of reflexivity from a structural point of view, which is less discussed in sustainability research, by drawing on critical realist literature. The paper first presents how reflexivity is understood and analyzed in inter- and transdisciplinary research processes by reviewing the recent studies of reflexivity in sustainability science research. Second, it highlights the knowledge gaps and the need to engage with an alternative view on reflexivity offered by Margaret Archer, one of the leading critical realist scholars. Third, it takes Archer’s framework on reflexivity into sustainability research to explain the causal mechanisms impeding the emergence of meta-reflexivity in the process of knowledge integration and production in contemporary marketized and managerialized universities. Finally, the paper argues that in establishing practices (modus vivendi) that could address the structural barriers (not observable challenges), we need collective agency. To this end, it discusses different collective initiatives and courses of action that could lead to the emergence of collective agency, capable of tackling the cultural and material barriers to reflexivity.

Cities and climate change science after Edmonton: Knowledge, people, and organisations' influence and outreach

The sustainability conundrum necessitates problem-solving research, and a transdisciplinary approach offers a way to find solutions transferable to scientific and societal practice. One such transdisciplinary research process took place at the Cities and Climate Change Science Conference in Edmonton, Canada, in, 2018. This paper uses an evaluation framework for the implementation of co-created knowledge and a knowledge mobilisation approach to evaluate uptake of the research output, a Global Research and Action Agenda on Cities and Climate Change Science. Surveys, a workshop, interviews, case studies, post-conference documentation and publications were analysed. A variety of stakeholders across science-policy-practice brought forward conference goals and outputs. Applying a knowledge mobilities approach in tandem with the evaluation framework revealed the contribution of individuals, who in the absence of formalised implementation, were largely responsible for postconference knowledge mobilisation. The transdisciplinary approach was justified since practice partners played an important implementation role. There was publication reach to the scientific context, but most of the non-peer-review publications were closed access, a challenge for Global South and practitioner policy mobility. The study demonstrated how the evaluation framework could be modified for application in future research, yet while it emphasized the importance of generality and implementability, the terms were not congruent with cities and climate change science, since cities require context specific evidence. Ascertaining and localising city research needs, and harnessing lessons learned for the next iterations of the conference, the Innovate4Cities Conferences, are important future steps in closing the gap of cities' knowledge needs on climate change science.

Developing and implementing a transdisciplinary framework for future pathways in the circular bioeconomy: The case of the red meat industry

Drawing on the development and implementation of a facilitated transdisciplinary research process in the case of the red meat industry in Ireland, this paper provides a framework by which diverse knowledge sources can be brought together to develop pathways for the circular bioeconomy. Furthermore, through identifying, analysing and evaluating a large number of value chains using this framework (involving a systematic review of academic literature, a grey literature review, an industry survey and a Delphi study), it presents a pathway for the utilisation of meat co-processing streams across several sectors. It highlights the value of grey literature as a complement to the academic literature (identifying almost four times as many value chain opportunities as the academic literature). Furthermore, it illustrates the wide-ranging knowledge that a relatively small group of experts (25) can provide in a short period time to help assess the feasibility of a manageable number of value chains (14 in this case). As this case study is framed around an ambition to develop a roadmap for industry in valorising meat industry co-products, the authors draw attention to the role of industry in providing knowledge but also influencing the direction of the work, and hence the results. Thus it indicates the need to consider other voices in such processes where broader sustainability objectives are at play.

Corpo performativo e Psique. Aproximações aos métodos de investigação transdisciplinares: psicologia transpessoal e performance-ritual.

This article aims to point out transdisciplinary research processes, within the scope of an ongoing artistic research project, called performative research - “Transpersonal Body”, with a methodology guided by the practice and verification of transpersonal psychology, that is, as an intuitive and integrative investigation. We will weave relationships between the performative processes (through the very experience of a physical and sensitive doing, which necessarily produces a transformation of “behavior”), the ritual performance, and the analysis of transpersonal experiences, as contributions to the represent(action) of the body and rite, in the study of symbols and archetypes of the feminine spiritual universe in the context of contemporary art and culture.We will analyze in more depth the video-performance “The Gnome”, 2021, as a case study generated from the tale “A Menina Sem Mãos”, which deals with the initiation of women into the subterranean forest, based on the ritual of resistance. The video brings together elements of the order of both individual and collective mythologies, namely it incorporates certain synchronous forces of the “Wild Mother”.This is an artistic investigation, of the transpersonal order, which aims to contribute to an individual, ethical and collective change, understanding by “science” the spiritual knowledge and practice in its entirety, intending to demonstrate how technology (image and moving images) can to contribute to the transforming experience of the symbolic dimension in the fields of Art, Technology and Spirituality.

Interactive network visualization on the integration of mindsets and sustainability – creating conditions for emergence through a relational narrative

Transdisciplinary research processes often involve the integration of knowledge and stakeholders from various backgrounds. Here, we introduce the story of the research project AMA (A Mindset for the Anthropocene) on the role of mindsets in the context of sustainability and present an interactive visualization tool that we developed for stakeholder mapping and research communication. Through this platform, we provide access and navigation to everyone interested in this field of research and we have simultaneously created a channel for all stakeholders to co-create content. Here, we describe the design and functionalities of the platform and the participatory way it was developed as part of our stakeholder engagement. We discuss upon how such a design allows for reflection of potential biases in transdisciplinary research processes and simultaneously catalyzing self-organization in stakeholder networks.

In search of a nomadic pastoralism for the 21st century. A transdisciplinary development of future scenarios to foster a social-ecological transformation in Mongolia

Nomadic pastoralism is of vital importance for grasslands worldwide. As one of the largest, widely intact, temperate grasslands in the world, the eastern Mongolian steppe looks back on a millennia-old tradition of nomadic pastoralism. Thus, this type of use of the ecosystem plays an important role in providing and maintaining ecosystem functions, e.g. seed dispersal, nutrient distribution and composition of plant communities. In addition, the nomadic way of life has important cultural and social functions. Global change processes like urbanisation, globalisation, digitalisation and climate change confront societies worldwide with the need for substantial sustainability transformations. While pastoralists are also strongly affected by these changes, their experiences and way of life, which have been evolving and adapting for millennia, can prove very helpful in addressing the transformation challenges. With this paper, we aim to reflect a new form of nomadic pastoralism for Mongolia in the twenty-first century. Implementing a transdisciplinary research process, we conducted a series of stakeholder workshops, surveys and co-writing periods, involving pastoralists, local and national authorities, economic and conservation actors, as well as scientific project partners from a wide range of disciplines. In doing so, we developed exploratory scenarios of contrasting plausible futures of the Mongolian steppe.

Making transdisciplinarity happen: Phase 0, or before the beginning

Both within science and society, transdisciplinary approaches are increasingly employed to address today’s sustainability challenges. Often transdisciplinary research processes are structured in three core phases: a) problem identification and formation of a common research object; b) co-production of solution-oriented and transferable knowledge; c) embedding co-produced knowledge through transdisciplinary reintegration. In all phases of this ideal-typical model, the involvement of non-academic actors is essential to meet the challenges of real-world problems, and of transformative research practices. Despite existing guidance for the core transdisciplinary process, its initiation often remains an uncharted area because of its strong context dependency. Based on a concrete transdisciplinary case study addressing sustainability transformation in Transylvania, we bring together our learned experience with initiating a transdisciplinary process using a research-driven approach. To this end, we introduce the notion of Phase 0, as an initiating phase prior to beginning an ideal-typical transdisciplinary process. Within Phase 0, we propose three empirically and literature informed sub-phases: Sub-Phase 0.1) selecting the case study; Sub-Phase 0.2) understanding the case study context from a transdisciplinary perspective; Sub-Phase 0.3) fostering premises for coming together. We outline the general rationale behind these sub-phases, and we illustrate how we carried out each sub-phase in practice. By deriving cross-cutting lessons from the three sub-phases, we enhance the practice of transdisciplinary sustainability research with the aim to leverage its transformative potential.

Supporting health researchers to realize meaningful patient involvement in research: Exploring researchers’ experiences and needs

Abstract Involving patients in health research requires a new way of working for all stakeholders involved, including researchers. This research aimed (1) to gain deeper insight into the experiences and needs of researchers regarding meaningful patient involvement and (2) to incorporate these insights into an online tool. This was done in a transdisciplinary research process, including three focus group discussions and three test sessions. We used the Social Cognitive Theory in the analysis process to reflect on how the tool addresses the complex personal, behavioural, and environmental factors that shape researchers’ experiences and needs. Identified factors were categorized into three themes: added value, perceived difficulty and patient-researcher role patterns. A tool was developed that addresses these factors, aiming to stimulate meaningful involvement by encouraging (self)reflection, experimentation, and learning-by-doing. It provides one element in a bigger systems approach to further stimulate patient involvement.

Integrating knowledge within and between knowledge types in transdisciplinary sustainability research: Seven case studies and an indicator framework

Transdisciplinary research aims to generate knowledge through science-practice interactions and is attracting increasing attention in sustainability science. However,sustainable development is characterized by vast complexities and context specificities, with a broad spectrum of relevant actors. Transdisciplinary research projects targeting at socio-ecological transformations, therefore, require the integration of different bodies of knowledge from diverse actors to gain an accurate and comprehensive understanding of existing problems and potential solutions. This knowledge integration involves both the active exchange of knowledge and the creation of a joint understanding of problems and solutions. Hence, the focus of this article is to analyse how and why knowledge integration is successful in transdisciplinary research processes. We conceptualize and define knowledge types and goals of knowledge integration. By analysing seven transdisciplinary research projects, we develop and empirically test indicators for knowledge integration. We examine knowledge integration (i) within three specific knowledge types (systems, target, and transformative knowledge), and (ii) between these different knowledge types. Furthermore, we reflect on the roles of researchers and non-academic actors. The description, comparison and discussion of knowledge integration lead to the identification of barriers and success factors to improve such processes in transdisciplinary research activities.

Improving Participation in the German Search for a Nuclear Waste Repository Site: a WebGIS as a Transdisciplinary Approach to Support Dialogue?

Abstract. The political and social debate on nuclear energy in Germany has been characterized for many decades by a high potential for conflict and dissatisfaction. In particular, the controversies surrounding the Gorleben salt dome achieved international attention and altered the relationship between the population and political decision makers at the local up to international levels. With the Site Selection Act from 2013 (StandAG, first revision 2017) a new approach was selected in order to find a participative, inclusive and transparent search process for the best possible site of a repository for highly radioactive waste in Germany. In connection with this a self-learning process was proclaimed, based on a white (unprejudiced) map, which aimed to give the general public an active role; however, even the first interim report of the Federal Company for Radioactive Waste Disposal (BGE) and the publication of the multicolored map, in which geologically suitable areas were extensively shown, revealed a massive potential for conflict. Many citizens and activists, who had already protested against the Gorleben salt dome, in this early phase of the process criticized the lack of transparency and opportunities to voice an opinion on possible site regions. In order to counter these criticisms, the possibilities for a web geographic information system (WebGIS) application (interactive map) as an online platform were analyzed (Walkobinger and Tauch, 2018; Brown and Kyttä, 2018). The aim was to virtualy present available geodata (Chwalisz, 2021), which enabled people to contribute to spatial information (geological, superficial) and therefore to achieve an interaction and participation option with respect to the possible site regions. For this, available geodata relevant for the site search process, such as subareas (BGE, 2020), nuclear power stations (active/inactive, research stations etc.), storage facilities (repository, central, intermediate storage etc.), historically relevant sites (sites of protest, uranium-enrichment and preparation plants etc.) and basic data on orientation were used. Based on this, two possibilities for participative interaction were analyzed: (1) the inclusion of spatially located notes that contain own experiences or local knowledge (e.g. reports, concerns, suggestions, own expert opinions) and (2) the initiation of a platform for a spatially located discussion. Against the background of transdisciplinary research, the aim was to evaluate the participative value of this application in an iterative process, in which the research process is supported by an accompanying group from civil society. For this panel we want to present our results from the transdisciplinary research process. In addition to testing the suitability of such a participation mode, we want to analyze where problems arise and which information is necessary or can lead to conflicts (Griffin, 2020). Finally, we want to gain information on how such participation modes influence the quality of the dialogue and how they contribute to an overall perception of a legally acceptable process (Rzeszewski and Kotus, 2019).

Teaching and learning for change: analysis of a post-graduate One Health program

As problematized through the One Health concept, global health issues are defeating conventional disciplinary approaches since they unfold across various scientific domains and across all levels of society. Calling for a change in the way knowledge is generated and used to tackle these complex societal issues, the One Health concept appears as a particular perspective within sustainability science. Various academic initiatives, inspired by the One Health concept, are emerging to prepare future health practitioners and researchers to think and work across disciplines. The building of adapted curricula faces important challenges, tied to the siloed structure of universities. Hence, the training initiatives are still in their infancy, facing an important uncertainty regarding field needs and goals to achieve. This study analyzes the main features and the impacts of a One Health-oriented program, starting in such an uncertain and siloed university context. The method combined participant observation and semi-structured interviews (individual and focus group) with four categories of actors: learners, teachers, partners, program designers. The narratives, reflecting the perceptions of the actors, were analyzed to propose an underlying visual model of the program. The main identified features of the program point to a continuous process of mutual adjustment between actors, available means, and projected goals. The program benefitted from interactions at several levels: between students, teachers, and external partners, to create an overall mutual learning dynamic. The underlying model is interpreted as an inherently evolutive structure, not only transmitting knowledge but actively co-creating knowledge, as would take place in a transdisciplinary research process.

Pathways, contextual and cross-scale dynamics of science-policy-society interactions in transdisciplinary research in African cities

The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are inherently complex. This paper contributes to the literature on co-production of knowledge at the interface of science, policy, and society in integrated, transdisciplinary research (TDR) projects. By analysing five projects of the Leading Integrated Research for Agenda 2030 in Africa (LIRA) implemented in nine African cities, the paper identifies the pathways for science-policy-society interactions (SPSI) within the TDR projects, the cross-scale and contextual dynamics influencing the interactions as well as the challenges of foregrounding the interactions. We identified four SPSI pathways: i) TDR processes, ii) explicitly conceptualising and communicating research projects in relation to mandates and policies, iii) the global sustainability agenda, and iv) relationships and networks. We argued that these pathways can be construed as important windows for foregrounding SPSI in TDR projects. Cross-scale dynamics such as the spatial scale of interactions, actors’ roles, and purposes of engagement were critical determinants of the intensity and frequency of the interactions between the project actors. The analysis suggests that being context-sensitive is key to foregrounding SPSI in TDR projects. Conceptual threshold crossing, resource intensity, power differentials, discontinuity, as well as a history of academic and practice silos present formidable challenges to SPSI in TDR projects. These challenges can be addressed through the identified pathways, adequate capability development; incentivising academics and practitioners engaged in co-production of knowledge; stimulating co-production through adequate resources; building redundancies within the project teams, ideas, and processes, and paying attention to the politics of co-production of knowledge.

Caliata: An Indigenous Community in Ecuador Offers Lessons on Food Sovereignty and Sustainable Diets

ABSTRACTBackgroundTo achieve a healthy sustainable food system globally, it is imperative to understand how local food systems can provide healthy and sustainable conditions.ObjectiveTo explore, through the indigenous community of Caliata in the Ecuadorian highlands, the factors that support or hinder sustainable Andean food systems.MethodsWe designed a participatory mixed-methods study in Caliata (Chimborazo, Ecuador) and an inclusive and transdisciplinary research process with constant member checking. The study combined culturally validated qualitative methods (n = 49), agroecology-based site analysis, and household surveys (n = 57), including a modified 48-h recall. We used the NOVA food classification system to categorize the diet according to levels of processing and analyzed categorical and numeric data to understand the interplay of parcel size, agrodiversity, and diet diversity.ResultsFirst, the agroecological space is defined by the stewardship of Pachamama (Mother Nature), a central role in Andean cosmovision, leading to trophic interactions and cycles characterized by a diversity of heterarchical social organizations and agroecologically useful species. Second, consistency was found in dietary patterns; all respondents consume their produce, fruits being the most popular snack (in a 24-h period, 70% reported an average of 2.2 servings), and two-thirds of households' consumption represent unprocessed or minimally processed foods. Third, gendered agriculture and population aging represent demographic challenges, while chronic health problems remain relatively infrequent compared with the general population. Fourth, food sovereignty is an ecocentric concept based on production, exchanges of seeds and produce, consumption of produce, and knowledge of how agroecological space is treated. This system represents a nutrient loop tied to a system of knowledge about how to care for soil, land, and the ecological community.ConclusionsCaliata provides important perspectives on linkages between diet, biodiversity, use of agroecological space, and rural–urban dynamics. This small indigenous community offers lessons for achieving both healthy ecosystems and food security.

Democratising utopian thought in participatory agenda setting

Engaging non-experts in matters of science and technology has been increasingly stressed in both rhetoric and action during the past decades. Under the call for moving participation upstream, agenda setting processes have been identified as viable entry point for laypeople’s experiential and value-based knowledge into science, technology and innovation governance (STI). Harnessing visioning for target setting promises to elicit such knowledge, whilst at the same time evading the dilemma of informing participants about STI that does not exist prior to engagement. To test such claims, we investigate a large-scale citizen-visioning exercise employed as an initiation of a transdisciplinary research and innovation agenda setting process, namely CIMULACT. In a comparable Europe-wide process, more than 1000 laypeople (citizens) produced 179 visions of desirable futures which built the basis for co-creating future research topics for advising the EU research and innovation programme Horizon 2020. We provide in depth insights into the visioning methodology for inclusion of citizens into STI agenda setting, and discuss room for methodological improvement regarding potential loss and gains of creativity and diversity of opinions considering empirical results of ex-post participant evaluation questionnaires (n ≈ 964). The discussed data shows a generally positive evaluation of the process and engagement, since citizens are in retrospective content with the process and visions, they would participate again in a similar event, and they are in favour of the EU to continue hosting such events in the future. However, citizens were rather sceptic whether the results actually (can/will) have an impact on the stated aim of integration in research and innovation agenda setting.

Transdisciplinary sport and physical activity development in urban real-world labs

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to present a research approach that can contribute to a sustainable development of urban spaces for sports and physical activity, comprising theoretical reflections and directions for applied research.Design/methodology/approachThis research builds on an urban real-world lab in a city district. It is based on principles of transdisciplinary research and intense processes of participation.FindingsFive projects with regard to sport and physical activity development were implemented. The projects resulted in exchange and learning of citizens and other stakeholders as well as transformations of the social and built environment.Research limitations/implicationsInstead of top-down research and planning this approach enables bottom-up processes in which affected citizens and stakeholders can contribute to sport and physical activity development.Practical implicationsThe approach can help to integrate sport and physical activity development and transformative processes of sustainable development in urban areas.Social implicationsThrough participation and involvement, citizens can be empowered and social capital can be generated.Originality/valueUrban real-world labs are a new approach for sport and physical activity development. This approach opens up the possibility to include sport and physical activity development in processes of city development. Hence, urban real-world labs are able to address an integrated urban and sport development process and can be used for city marketing purposes.

The COVID-19 Crisis and Complexity in the United States

The main objective of this research is to present a transdisciplinary research process which identifies the complexity of the issues surrounding COVID-19 using collective intelligence through transdisciplinarycollaborative effort. Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM), a methodology for dealing with complexsystem design and development has been the key component of this research. Building collective intelligence to understand how factors affecting COVID-19 transmission and fatality and their relationships were investigated. The complexity measure of the COVID-19 was investigated by using cyclomatic complexity. The results showed that the complexity of the COVID-19 is difficult to understand and handle.