Handbook of Transdisciplinary Research

In a world characterised by rapid change, uncertainty and increasing interconnectedness there is a growing need for science to contribute to the solution of persistent, complex problems. These problems include not only some of the now broadly known environmental issues such as climate change and biodiversity loss, but also related issues such as poverty, security and governance. For all of these problems, progress in nding and implementing solutions has been very slow. The increase in availability of scienti c knowledge has not been re ected in decisive action. It is this mismatch between knowledge and action that lies behind the need for a Handbook of Transdisciplinary Research. As the editors point out in their introduction, a transdisciplinary orientation in research, education and institutions aims to overcome the disconnection between knowledge production, on the one hand, and the demand for knowledge to contribute to the solution of societal pr- lems, on the other hand. This is achieved through transdisciplinary approaches in which researchers from a wide range of disciplines work together with sta- holders. Internationally the term 'transdisciplinary research' is de ned in diff- ent ways, ranging from a diffuse conceptual term located above individual dis- plines, to any research that involves stakeholders. The Handbook contributes to a clari cation of both the concept and the term, and shows that the uniqueness of the approach lies in the partnership between members of different disciplines and stakeholders.

21 case studies illustrate transdisciplinary, problem-driven research Will appeal to those who initiate, steer or evaluate research Ties together science and policy

Texte du rabat

Transdisciplinary research (TR) is an emerging field of research in the knowledge society. It relates science and policy in addressing issues such as:

• global and local environmental concerns

• migration

• new technologies

• public health

• socio-cultural change

This handbook provides, for the first time, a structured overview of the manifold experiences gained in these fields. Twenty-one projects from all over the world present their research approaches, structured along the three phases of a TR project:

• problem structuring

• problem investigation

• bringing results to fruition

Referring to these projects, cross-cutting challenges of TR are discussed, such as:

• integration

• participation

• values and uncertainties

• learning from case studies

• management

• education

A systematic positioning of transdisciplinary research in the development of sciences and humanities, and 15 propositions for enhancing transdisciplinary research situate the contributions in a larger, systematised context. The handbook gives researchers and students an overview of the state of the art in transdisciplinary research.

Audience

Written for students, researchers, and project managers who are planning or are involved in problem-driven, transdisciplinary projects, or are working on the interface of science, society and politics.

Contenu
Idea of the Handbook.- The Emergence of Transdisciplinarity as a Form of Research.- Problem Identification and Problem Structuring.- From Local Projects in the Alps to Global Change Programmes in the Mountains of the World: Milestones in Transdisciplinary Research.- Sustainable River Basin Management in Kenya: Balancing Needs and Requirements.- Designing the Urban: Linking Physiology and Morphology.- CITY:mobil: A Model for Integration in Sustainability Research.- Shepherds, Sheep and Forest Fires: A Reconception of Grazingland Management.- Fischnetz: Involving Anglers, Authorities, Scientists and the Chemical Industry to Understand Declining Fish Yields.- Nanoscience and Nanotechnologies: Bridging Gaps Through Constructive Technology Assessment.- Chimeras and Other HumanAnimal Mixtures in Relation to the Swiss Constitution: A Case for Regulatory Action.- Problem Analysis.- The Development of Multilateral Environmental Agreements on Toxic Chemicals: Integrating the Work of Scientists and Policy Makers.- Climate Protection vs. Economic Growth as a False Trade Off Restructuring Global Warming Mitigation.- Policy Analysis and Design in Local Public Management A System Dynamics Approach.- Constructing Regional Development Strategies A Case Study Approach for Integrated Planning and Synthesis.- Evaluating Landscape Governance A Tool for Legal-Ecological Assessments.- Children and Divorce Investigating Current Legal Practices and their Impact on Family Transitions.- Bringing Results to Fruition.- Towards Integrated and Adapted Health Services for Nomadic Pastoralists and their Animals: A NorthSouth Partnership.- Sustainable Prevention of Water Associated Infection Risks: An Awareness Campaign Using Visual Media.- Behavioural Sciences in the Health Field: IntegratingNatural and Social Sciences.- Sustainable Coexistence of Ungulates and Trees: A Stakeholder Platform for Resource Use Negotiations.- Retrofitting Postwar Suburbs: A Collaborative Design Process.- Cross-cutting Issues.- Participation.- Values and Uncertainties.- Learning from Case Studies.- Management.- Education.- Integration.- Summary and Outlook.- Core Terms in Transdisciplinary Research.- Enhancing Transdisciplinary Research: A Synthesis in Fifteen Propositions.