While writing my final posts about the PECS conference, I realised some background explanations were needed. So I started writing. And the paragraphs just grew and grew, until I realised I probably should turn them into a post of their own – so as not to overload you with text! So here you go, some background on the terminology: three paragraphs on transdisciplinary and sustainability science!
For those of you not indoctrinated with the academic lingo, transdisciplinary science is research that is not only based on traditional scientific disciplines or mixes of those, but also on other types of knowledge. These other knowledges can be labeled as anything from local to indigenous and common research methods include processes of co-creation with mixed groups of actors or stakeholders, like workshops or participatory mapping. Now, there might be different takes on this, but simply put, my perspective on transdisciplinary science is that there is heavy focus on the methods you choose for the research. The co-creation of knowledge is at the very core of what allows you to transcend the disciplines, so to speak.
Another term commonly used in my field of research is sustainability science. That is the discipline I will get my PhD in (if things work out as planned). Sustainability science, or so I see it anyway, is more about the type of research topics that you choose. Sustainability science is problem-oriented, often applied, and to a certain extent normative – we want to find solutions and create an environmentally sustainable and socially just world. This orientation toward problem-solving often requires extending across traditional disciplines, and sometimes even beyond academia, to find appropriate methods and data to solve the problem at hand.
This means that there is often overlap between these two fields of research. Many problems that sustainability science is trying to solve require the inclusion of multiple types of knowledge, that is, engaging in transdisciplinary research methods. And many transdisciplinary processes, being inclusive by nature, often include social justice and equity, but also environmental sustainability, as part of their goals and aspirations. However, it is possible to do transdisciplinary research without having a sustainability motivation, and many sustainability scientists do not use transdisciplinary methods. They overlap, but are not the same.
Of course, there is a lot more to say about these two terms – but I think this is enough as an introduction.
Katja Malmborg 