Towards a caring transdisciplinary research practice: navigating science, society and self. Issue 1 (1st January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sellberg, My M.; Cockburn, Jessica; Holden, Petra B.; Lam, David P. M.
• Is Part Of: Ecosystems and people. Volume 17:Issue 1(2021)
• Page Start: 292
• Page End: 305
• Publication Date: 2021-01-01
• Subjects: Odirilwe Selomane; Early-career researchers -- place-based research -- reflexivity -- social-ecological systems -- sustainability science -- transdisciplinary -- transformation; Ecosystem management -- Periodicals; Biotic communities -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Ecosystem management; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 333.9516
• DOI: 10.1080/26395916.2021.1931452
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2639-5908

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Transdisciplinary research that bridges science and society is needed to address the complex social-ecological sustainability challenges we are facing. However, many transdisciplinary researchers grapple with balancing the competing demands of scientific rigour and excellence, societal impact and engagement, and self-care. This is especially evident in the growing literature by early-career researchers describing the challenges of pursuing a transdisciplinary research career in social-ecological sustainability research. To guide discussion and reflection towards a flourishing transdisciplinary research practice, we synthesized our own and other researchers' experiences of using a transdisciplinary approach and formulated the heuristic of the 'Triple-S': caring for Science, Society and Self. This heuristic adds the frequently overlooked personal aspects of transdisciplinary research. Current dominant academic structures, cultures and metrics of success are not supporting a balanced and flourishing transdisciplinary research practice, but rather creating and exacerbating the trade-offs between these three aspects. As an example of a solutions-oriented approach, we developed a theory of change to address the changes we see are necessary to enable a transdisciplinary research practice in line with the Triple-S. We hope that this will foster academic environments where transdisciplinary research practice can flourish and the next generation of researchers are not burnt-out, but empowered.