Foundations of Inter- and Transdisciplinary Research

Intro

Foundations of Inter- and Transdisciplinary Research is a four-course programme that supports academics conducting research on complex societal and environmental problems.

Foundations of Inter- and Transdisciplinary Research is organised into four courses. The first course provides a high-level introduction to transdisciplinary research. The second, third, and fourth courses each explore a key phase of the transdisciplinary research process.

These four courses guide researchers through the transdisciplinary research process from research co-design to the co-production of new knowledge to co-implementation. All of the courses are simple and direct, so they can be applied immediately.

Foundations of Inter- and Transdisciplinary Research includes the following online courses:

What You'll Learn

Introduction to Transdisciplinary Research introduces transdisciplinary research and the ways it helps address complex societal challenges. It highlights the key concepts of transdisciplinary research including its objectives, principles, phases, and main steps.

Co-designing Transdisciplinary Research explores the first phase of transdisciplinary research: problem framing and team building. This includes an examination of the ways research can be co-designed as well as framing methods and the elements of assembling teams.

Co-producing New Knowledge explores the second phase of transdisciplinary research: jointly conducted research. This includes an investigation of co-production processes and methods as well as the three types of knowledge and effective management of diverse teams.

Co-creating Pathways to Impact describes the third phase of transdisciplinary research: joint exploration of ways to impact science and society. This includes an exploration of transdisciplinary research integration, pathways to impact and change, and communication strategies to enhance research impact.

Who It's For

These online courses are aimed at university professionals, including faculty and staff, who are interested in engaging with inter- or transdisciplinary research concepts. The courses serve to support academics and researchers in becoming transdisciplinary research role models and mentors in their institutions.

Get Prepared

The programme includes practical, interactive worksheets. To engage with the course fully, we recommend you use a laptop.

Course Expert(s)

Tobias Buser

Tobias Buser is a specialist for collaborative research processes, with profound experience in designing, conducting and reflecting on stakeholder engagement for research programmes and projects. As Executive Secretary of the Global Alliance for Inter- and Transdisciplinarity, he has a strong focus on building capacities and supporting international collaboration to advance and foster research approaches and institutional conditions that address pressing societal challenges.