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701-0015-00L 2 Credits DR , SHE D-USYS , D-BIOL , D-GESS , D-ARCH , D-BAUG , D-HEST
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Transdisciplinary Research: Challenges of Interdisciplinarity and Stakeholder Engagement

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Christian Erik Pohl, PD Dr. Bianca Vienni Baptista
The lecture takes place if a minimum of 12 students register for it.
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-01 11:30:42

Abstract

This seminar is designed for PhD students and PostDoc researchers involved in inter- or transdisciplinary research. It addresses and discusses challenges of this kind of research using scientific literature presenting case studies, concepts, theories, methods and by testing practical tools. It concludes with a 10-step approach to make participants' research projects more societally relevant.

Objective

Participants know specific challenges of inter- and transdisciplinary research and can address them by applying practical tools. They can tackle questions like: how to integrate knowledge from different disciplines, how to engage with societal actors, or how to secure broader impact of research. They learn to critically reflect their own research project in its societal context and on their role as scientists.

Content

The seminar covers the following topics: (1) Theories and concepts of inter- and transdisciplinary research (2) The specific challenges of inter- and transdisciplinary research (3) Collaborating between different disciplines (4) Engaging with stakeholders (5) 10 steps to make participants' research projects more societally relevant Throughout the whole course, scientific literature will be read and discussed as well as practical tools explored in class to address concrete challenges. In 2025, Prof Merritt Polk (University of Gothenburg, Sweden) is invited as guest lecturer.

Resources

Literature

Literature will be made available to the participants. The following open access article builds a core element of the course: Pohl, C., Krütli, P., & Stauffacher, M. (2017). Ten Reflective Steps for Rendering Research Societally Relevant. GAIA 26(1), 43-51 doi: 10.14512/gaia.26.1.10 available at (open access): Link Further, this collection of tools will be used: https://naturalsciences.ch/topics/co-producing_knowledge https://www.shapeidtoolkit.eu

General Information

Language
English
Levels
DR , SHE
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
ungraded semester performance

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
seminar Transdisciplinary Research: Challenges of Interdisciplinarity and Stakeholder Engagement
Irregular course
  • Wed 08:15-12:00 (CHN K 77)
20 h semesterly

Offered In