How: Transdisciplinary Research Processes
Transdisciplinary research is a process
In the quest to produce knowledge that is both reliable from a scientific perspective, socially-robust and socially relevant, transdisciplinary research requires changes to how we conduct research. We need to distinguish the idealised transdisciplinary research process which helps structure a project, from the actual transdisciplinary research journeys that one goes through when trying to implement a project (see field stories).
In its essence, the transdisciplinary research process links up two processes of knowledge production (c.f. , , ). That means connecting between practices, discourses and issues of scientific knowledge production on both the scientific and the societal realms. It also means that the research process has to be designed to cater to the kinds of results that are needed in societal and scientific practice.
Mediating between the two realms normally requires a more iterative and non-linear research process. To start well, pay special attention to forming a team that has a diverse and relevant mix of disciplines and practical expertise and an open, dialogical mindset.
Societal problems usually don't have definitive boundaries, involve many actors, and are highly interconnected to other problems.
This goes hand in hand with framing the problem and setting the research agenda with attention to the different understandings and perspectives available. This may require expanding the team or engaging with other stakeholders, to find the right mix. Key to this step is matching the research questions to the societal demand for knowledge. Taking 鈥榝raming鈥 seriously is essential, because societal problems don鈥檛 usually have definitive boundaries, involve many actors, and are highly interconnected to other problems. When non-academic actors are involved in this stage, the process can be labeled as 鈥榗辞-诲别蝉颈驳苍别诲鈥.
The next stages are analysing the problem and exploring solutions and impacts. In transdisciplinary research these require a degree of interaction and integration between disparate knowledges - both across different disciplines and with stakeholders understandings. When non-academic actors are involved in this stage, the process can be labeled as 鈥榗辞-辫谤辞诲耻肠别诲鈥.
How exactly these stages are organised depends on the nature of the problem - e.g. whether these are 鈥榯ame鈥, 鈥榳icked鈥 or 鈥榰nruly鈥 problems. When the issue at hand is a 鈥榳icked problem鈥 the interaction between these two stages is essential, and so is setting the expectation of what 鈥榩roblem-solving鈥 actually is.
You don鈥檛 so much 鈥渟olve鈥 a wicked problem as you help stakeholders negotiate shared understanding and shared meaning about the problem and its possible solutions. The objective of the work is coherent action, not final solution
Caution: researchers have to be careful to broaden the inputs that they consider when discussing different options for addressing a challenge, and not automatically privilege expert analysis, nor push too hard for consensus. In many situations, approaches should aim to build 鈥
Dilemma: in transdisciplinary research journeys participants bring in different knowledge, assumptions and interests, not all of which are compatible and easy to integrate. Approaching this encounter as a dialogue, with time for the different perspectives to discover one another is crucial. However, it may be hard to balance that with the need to 鈥榤ove on鈥 with the project and advance its objectives.
A review () on the topic identified six parameters to consider when designing transdisciplinary research projects:
- 鈥淭he diversity of disciplines engaged鈥
- 鈥淭he depth of integration across disciplines鈥
- 鈥淭he degree of interaction with non-academic stakeholders鈥
- 鈥淭he composition of non-academics stakeholders鈥
- 鈥淭he timing of participatory engagement鈥
- 鈥淭he types of knowledge that are emphasised鈥
Special attention has to be given to stakeholder engagement, in each step of this process, from forming a team, constructing a joint purpose and research agenda, to the methods and collaborating to the point of integration and evaluation of the results. On the methods and resources section you will find specific suggestions for how to address these different phases.
Caution - Often, the process you need won鈥檛 fit into a project mold, which may be very constraining, with specific objectives, limited time frames, and emphasis on implementation. In such situations, it is possible to use other approaches to bridge those two realms. Establishing a 鈥榖oundary organisation鈥 operating with transdisciplinary principles can be much more effective. Similarly, thinking in terms of 鈥榯ransformative spaces鈥 may also be useful. For more on that, check out the field stories.
Applying transdisciplinary research
Here are some practical suggestions on how to design and deliver transdisciplinary research. These apply whether you are starting a new research project or process or whether you are in the middle of an existing project.
- Check whether a transdisciplinary approach is for you with the quick self-assessment at the top of this page.
- Consider the mindset and skills that are key to transdisciplinary work.
- Design your transdisciplinary project as a process.
- Explore the range of ways to engage external stakeholders.
- Get practical tips on shaping your research project on the Methods page.