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Future Africa at the University of Pretoria recently hosted a dialogue that brought together two thought leaders in transdisciplinary research: Professor Roderick Lawrence from the University of Geneva and Professor Coleen Vogel from the University of Witwatersrand. This dialogue focused on the critical role that transdisciplinary approaches play in tackling complex global challenges, highlighting the importance of integrating diverse knowledge systems and fostering collaborations that transcend traditional academic boundaries.
A key theme of the discussion the distinction between interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research. Professor Lawrence explained that while interdisciplinarity involves collaboration among distinct disciplines, each retaining its methodologies and integrating knowledge to address complex issues, transdisciplinarity goes further.
“Interdisciplinarity,” he explained, “is exemplified by the concept of ‘place identity,’ which arises from the interplay of architecture, psychology, sociology, and geography.” However, transdisciplinarity extends beyond the mere integration of disciplinary knowledge. “It incorporates diverse forms of knowledge, including indigenous and experiential insights from communities directly affected by the issues. This approach emphasises involving all stakeholders—policymakers, researchers, and community members alike, in shaping research agendas and solutions,” noted Professor Lawrence.
Successful Applications of Transdisciplinarity
Professor Lawrence shared several inspiring examples of successful transdisciplinary projects, demonstrating the practical impact of this approach. These projects, detailed in his books Handbook of Transdisciplinarity: Global Perspectives (Edward Elgar, 2023) and Creating Built Environments: Bridging Knowledge and Practice Divides (Routledge, 2021), underscore the importance of community involvement in driving meaningful societal change.
One notable example is a cooperative housing project in Zurich, where local communities, including immigrants, played a central role in addressing housing needs. This initiative bypassed traditional public and private sector involvement, illustrating how grassroots efforts can lead to innovative solutions.
Another example is the rise of local community gardens and urban agriculture projects which highlights the limitations of industrial food systems. Professor Lawrence pointed out that rather than allowing agro-industrial companies to dictate food choices, urban agriculture empowers communities to access healthy produce. “These initiatives show that local communities are key to transdisciplinary projects. Involving the local community and giving them a voice is crucial for achieving social adhesion and driving solutions to current societal challenges,” he emphasised.
Challenges and Career Impediments
The dialogue also addressed the challenges faced by researchers pursuing transdisciplinary approaches. Professor Lawrence acknowledged that traditional academic structures often prioritise interdisciplinary research, which can be more easily understood and accepted within established frameworks. However, transdisciplinary research, which crosses the boundaries of academia and integrates diverse knowledge systems, often encounters resistance.
“Institutional support is crucial for adapting to these new paradigms,” he stated, highlighting the importance of supportive environments for researchers. He also noted the potential career drawbacks for those engaged in transdisciplinary work, as these approaches may not align with conventional academic success metrics, such as publishing in high-impact journals. This misalignment can present challenges for career advancement within traditional academic settings.
The Role of Monitoring and Evaluation
Another critical aspect of the discussion was the importance of monitoring and evaluation in transdisciplinary research. Professor Lawrence stressed the need for robust documentation of outcomes and impacts, advocating for a shift from project-level assessments to broader evaluations of how transdisciplinary approaches contribute to societal good.
He also highlighted the significance of open science networks and the broader internet community in supporting transdisciplinary research. These platforms facilitate collaboration and knowledge sharing beyond traditional academic boundaries, helping to bridge gaps and advance collective goals.
A particularly relevant point raised during the discussion was the Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA). This initiative calls for changes in how research quality and impact are evaluated, advocating for a shift away from traditional metrics that prioritise publication quantity and impact factor. Instead, DORA emphasises criteria such as relevance, credibility, fairness, and applicability of research—aligning closely with the goals of transdisciplinary research by focusing on societal impact and the broader value of research outputs.
Looking Ahead
The dialogue concluded with a strong call to action for continued collaboration and the exploration of transdisciplinary approaches. Both Professor Lawrence and Professor Vogel encouraged participants to embrace innovative methodologies and remain committed to addressing complex societal challenges through inclusive and integrative research practices.
About the Future Africa Transdisciplinary Dialogue Series
The Future Africa Transdisciplinary Dialogue series aims to stimulate bold ideas and disruptive thinking on how research can make a meaningful difference in addressing real-world problems. By facilitating learning on how best to enable these approaches, Future Africa seeks to drive societal transformation.
Watch a video recording of the dialogue HERE.
Prof Lawrence Roderick