In quest of transdisciplinarity: History, Definition, Frameworks, and Challenges

Have you heard or do you know about transdisciplinary research? What is your impromptu definition of the term? How do you think transdisciplinarity (TD) differentiates from disciplinary, interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary research? What are the major challenges when implementing TD research?

The origin and evolution of TD as a concept spans for at least 50 years. TD appears as a response to a crisis identified in the traditional creation of knowledge in disciplines in teaching and practice. With the change of the Millennium, the ambitions of the global development agendas calling for interdisciplinary perspectives and closer collaboration between relevant stakeholders to attain the needed far-reaching impact reinforced the interest in transdisciplinary science.

During this “Bouillon d'idées,” I hope to stimulate discussion on TD by presenting the historical underpins of TD, its present working definition, examples of TD frameworks, the main challenges of transdisciplinary research in sustainability science, and by sharing how TD connects to my and your research interests and experience.

Le «Bouillon d'idées» est un séminaire proposé par le groupe de recherche «Développement, Sociétés, Environnements», dans lequel les chercheuses et les chercheurs sont invité·e·s à présenter une recherche en cours.

L'entrée est libre. N'hésitez pas à amener votre repas.