The traditional approach to research – characterised by disciplinary specialisation, competition between consortia and the fragmentation of knowledge – falls short when it comes to tackling complex transition issues. Science often lags behind what is already happening in practice, or struggles to come up with solutions that offer people practical ways to take action. To make just climate transitions a reality, we must build a new scientific practice that is sustainable and which prioritises collaboration between different actors, values diverse forms of knowledge, and fully embraces and effectively facilitates transition thinking. We are also examining working methods and processes that facilitate dialogue between science and practice, so that transformative solutions can emerge, and a research practice that is transdisciplinary, action-oriented and sustainable.
Transdisciplinary collaboration
Transdisciplinary collaboration lies at the heart of this innovation. By linking scientific knowledge, practical knowledge, indigenous knowledge and/or cultural knowledge, innovative insights emerge that are directly applicable. This integrative approach breaks through the paralysis that often arises when complexity leads to stagnation, or the pitfall of treating symptoms through excessive simplification and constant optimisation.
To achieve a truly transformative research practice that fully embraces transition thinking, more is needed. Firstly, a different way of working: transdisciplinary, transformative and action-oriented research that dares to break with existing paradigms. Moving away from merely optimising within existing systems, towards fundamentally questioning those systems themselves. This means experimenting and learning in and with practice, where the end point is not clear in advance and daring to explore possible solutions is part of the discovery process. Secondly, it is important that researchers critically examine their own research practices and disciplines. How sustainable are our research methods? To what extent do certain disciplines perpetuate existing unsustainability or even legitimise it? Consider, for example, research into algorithms that encourage overconsumption, or technologies that enable the further depletion of the Earth’s raw materials. Science must undergo a transition itself in order to contribute effectively to addressing urgent societal challenges.
Shared responsibility and acceleration
This transition of the science system is a shared responsibility of research institutions, researchers, funders, governments and societal partners. By linking initiatives and encouraging collaboration, we prevent fragmentation and increase our impact. The urgency of climate transitions demands this acceleration – not only in our research results, but also in the way we arrive at those results.
