project

National Expertise Centre for TRansdisciplinary Working (NECTR)

NECTR is a network that sees transdisciplinary (TD) working as an essential methodology for identifying and tackling complex societal problems. NECTR makes a practical contribution to increasing the knowledge base about TD work and aims to be a new place for inspiration and knowledge sharing with in this rapidly evolving field. It also offers effective methods, accessible working methods and delivers practical results.

Theme

Transdisciplinary Working

Transdisciplinary working offers a solution for tackling complex transition issues in areas such as climate, health, mobility, food, the circular economy, etc. Complex transition issues require an approach that brings together the perspectives of all stakeholders and offers concrete action points. These two often exclude each other: complexity leads to paralysis, resulting in no action being taken, or the problems are simplified, resulting in symptom control and suboptimal solutions. By integrating diverse knowledge and perspectives, it is possible to gain a deeper understanding and innovative insights into urgent issues. These can form the basis for well-considered choices for the sustainable transitions with which we will shape the future together.

NECTR was founded by an initiative group of thirteen organisations and its mission is to mobilise knowledge for societal transitions. To this end, NECTR is building an open network in which everyone can participate. NECTR does this by promoting collaboration, knowledge sharing and recognition of transdisciplinary working and by providing a platform for knowledge exchange, training and impactful applications. The network aims to embed transdisciplinary working as a professional and recognised scientific method for tackling complex societal issues, and in doing so wants to develop a sustainable network and high-quality knowledge and skills for both scientific and societal impact. On 3 April 2025, the National Expertise Centre for Transdisciplinarity (NECTR) was launched during the EWUU Community Day in Ede. In the coming months, NECTR will develop a model for the accession of organisations and initiatives with expertise or experience in transdisciplinary working, or those actively seeking such expertise.

Join NECTR!

Want to know more about transdisciplinary working? Join NECTR! NECTR has published a white paper (recommended reading!) on its website with practical tools for assessing the quality of transdisciplinary collaboration. Feedback is very welcome! In addition, NECTR’s Community of Practice regularly organises meetings where participants share their experiences and learn together about transdisciplinary working. These meetings are a place for meeting, reflection and deepening knowledge, and are open to anyone involved in or interested in transdisciplinary collaboration. Anyone with an interest is welcome. Would you like to register for one of the meetings, stay informed or visit an event? To join, find out more and see all the activities, visit the NECTR website.

Go to NECTR-website