Transdisciplinary Research

Transdisciplinary research is an approach to research that integrates methods and knowledge from different disciplines to gain a holistic understanding of a complex problem. It is a rapidly growing area of research that has great potential to enrich insight and inform decision-making processes. Transdisciplinary research focuses on a social-ecological system, the context in which a problem occurs, and the dynamics between those systems. This research has the potential to reduce gaps between traditionally-defined disciplines, to make significant contributions to the understanding of complex problems, and to identify sustainable solutions in a wide range of fields including renewable energy, health, and social sciences. Its potential is further increased by the engaging of a wide variety of stakeholders in the research process, including those most affected by a problem. This ensures that social and cultural values are taken into account when crafting solutions, thereby promoting the development of equitable and sustainable outcomes.