International Centre for Sustainable Development (IZNE)
Strong together: IZNE joins the Society for Transdisciplinary and Participatory Research (GTPF)
Interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research is an important research area at the IZNE. Not only are transdisciplinary research methods, such as citizen science, applied, but research is also conducted at a meta-level into how transdisciplinary research can be successfully implemented. Transdisciplinary research integrates scientific knowledge with practical experience in order to address complex social problems. The close collaboration between scientists and stakeholders develops application-oriented solutions that address the needs of society. This approach enables innovative solutions for sustainable development and contributes to effectively meeting the challenges of our time.
Central point of contact for transdisciplinary research
The founding of the Society for Transdisciplinary and Participatory Research in March 2023 is a significant milestone for the scientific community. The GTPF serves as a central point of contact for bundling the diversity of transdisciplinary and participatory research and creating networks. Its aim is to promote the networking of researchers in German-speaking countries, support young scientists and promote the professionalization of these research approaches. The society invites institutions and individuals who are active or want to become active in these areas and offers a variety of events and educational programs as well as scientific policy impulses from the perspective of the research community.
A milestone for science
The founding of the association marks a milestone in promoting transdisciplinarity as a research approach and increasing its visibility. The aim of the association is to act as an interdisciplinary scientific community and to promote transdisciplinary research in the German science system.
„It is important for us to use the network to advocate for more recognition for transdisciplinary research (TDF) in the German science system and to exchange ideas with other researchers about TD research methods.”
Dr. Eefje Aarnoudse - Research Associate 'Responsible Business and Natural Resources'
Commitment to the future
Two important voices in this initiative are Prof. Dr. Wiltrud Terlau, Professor of Economics, Resilient and Sustainable Development and Dr. Eefje Aarnoudse, research associate in the INTERFACES project. Both represent the International Centre for Sustainable Development (IZNE) as voting members. Dr. Eefje Aarnoudse is also a member of the Institutionalization Working Group. This working group, which is currently still in the founding phase, will actively advocate for improved framework conditions in research funding, university teaching and academic career development in order to facilitate and promote transdisciplinary research methods.
Two current IZNE research projects that deal with transdisciplinary research on a meta-level:
Research project INTERFACES
As part of the research project "INTERFACES - Supporting Pathways to Sustainable Land Management in Africa", a series of workshops will be held with stakeholders from the field of research funding and research to jointly develop good practices for the promotion of transdisciplinary research for sustainable development in Africa.
Research project KLUGER Transfer
As part of the research project "KLUGER Transfer (Climate - Environment - Health - Transfer)", a scientific survey was conducted to determine the attitudes and preferences of German researchers with regard to knowledge transfer and cooperation with practitioners.
Citizen science as a transdisciplinary research approach:
The IZNE is also actively involved in the field of citizen science. Citizens are actively involved in scientific processes in order to integrate a broad spectrum of perspectives and expertise and promote understanding of sustainable development in society.
Contact
Wiltrud Terlau
Professor of Economics, Resilient and Sustainable Development, Director of the International Centre for Sustainable Development (IZNE), Department of Economics
Research fields
Location
Rheinbach
Room
B 111
Address
von-Liebig-Straße 20
53359, Rheinbach
Telephone
+49 2241 865 410Location
Sankt Augustin
Room
Raum G 039
Address
Grantham-Allee 20,
53757, Sankt Augustin
Eefje Aarnoudse
Research associate 'Responsible Economy and Natural Resources'
Research fields
Location
Sankt Augustin
Room
G 033
Address
Grantham-Alle 20
53757, Sankt Augustin
Point of contact
Contact International Centre for Sustainable Development (IZNE)