The next International Inter- and Transdisciplinarity (ITD) Conference, ‘Bridging Knowledge and Networks: Inter- and Transdisciplinarity for Transformative Change’ will be hosted by the University of Évora in Évora, Portugal, 31 May – 4 June 2027.

Every 2-3 years, the International Inter- and Transdisciplinarity (ITD) Conference brings together researchers, educators and practitioners from all over the world to promote the exchange knowledge, insights and expertise related to inter- and transdisciplinarity. 

The conference has been organised by the Network for Transdisciplinary Research, td-net, at the Swiss Academies of Arts and Sciences since 2008 in cooperation with various partners. Critical meetings that led to the formation of the Global Alliance for Inter- and Transdisciplinarity (ITD Alliance) were held at the 2017 conference. The ITD Alliance has been an organisational partner since ITD21. 

Theme

The ITD27 conference is titled: ‘Bridging Knowledge and Networks: Inter- and Transdisciplinarity for Transformative Change.‘

Two major themes for the 2027 ITD Conference (ITD27) will be explored:

• The role of inter- and transdisciplinarity in transformative change
• Networking towards transformative change

Transformative change inherently requires a systems perspective, addressing transitions not only within academia but also across funding institutions, policymaking, and other societal sectors. This thematic focus allows us to build on key highlights from the previous ITD Conference, particularly:

• Engagement with funding agencies on how to support and evaluate inter- and transdisciplinary projects
• The role of integration experts and expertise and career opportunities
• Education and training in inter- and transdisciplinarity, strengthening institutional capacity

Our goal is to co-create a space that deepens dialogue and connections across individuals, institutions, and global networks—advancing transformative change through collaboration.

ITD27 Call for Contributions

The Conference Mission and Audience

The global Inter- and Transdisciplinarity (ITD) community is rooted in diverse contexts and committed to dialogue on equal footing, remaining open to new approaches while recognising the need for institutions and systems to evolve in support of this work. The conference focuses on the role of ITD in transformative change. Rather than prescribing a single definition, we invite diverse interpretations and critical reflection, fostering exchange across disciplinary, institutional, and societal boundaries. Through this pluralistic approach, we seek to contribute to addressing today’s interconnected global challenges.

We invite contributions from a wide range of fields and research cultures, including work by individuals or teams, as well as interprofessional and inter- and transdisciplinary initiatives across sectors. Contributions may range from local initiatives to large-scale collaborations spanning the Global North and South. We aim to bring together diverse communities — including trainers and educational developers, researchers, practitioners, policymakers, artists, facilitators, leaders of inter- and transdisciplinary programmes, funders, students, and other boundary-crossing professionals — to share knowledge and expertise on critical issues in ITD and related fields (e.g., citizen science, action research, participatory research). We particularly encourage submissions that critically reflect on practice as well as theory.

Conference Tracks and Keywords

In line with this mission, we invite contributions across four interconnected tracks. Across all tracks, we welcome submissions addressing cross-cutting themes such as:

• Trade-offs, incentives and barriers
• Artificial intelligence
• Leadership
• More-than-human perspectives
• Global South collaborations

Please indicate how your submission aligns with one primary track and select one or more relevant keywords. You may also add additional keywords where appropriate. Across all tracks, we welcome empirical contributions from diverse fields, including environmental studies, health, social-ecological research, arts and science, and other domains engaging with inter- and transdisciplinary processes.

• Track 1: Enhancing the theoretical and empirical foundations of inter- and transdisciplinarity
• Track 2: Strengthening the capability for inter- and transdisciplinarity
• Track 3: Broadening and deepening education and training in inter- and transdisciplinarity
• Track 4: Bridging knowledge and networks for transformative change

See keywords in the full Call for Contributions (PDF).

Formats for Contributions

Format	Mode	Duration / Length	Word Limit for Abstract
Session	In person	60 min	Up to 1,000 words
Presentation	In person	10 min	500 words max
Poster or Installation	Hybrid	Displayed throughout	500 words max
Short Video	Online	1-7 min	500 words max
Workshop	In person	60-90 min	Up to 1,200 words
Training	In person	60-90 min	Up to 1,200 words
Open Format	In person	Variable	Contact office
Networking Event	In person	Variable	500 words max

See format instructions in the full Call for Contributions (PDF)

Important Dates

Deadline for abstract submissions: 30 June 2026
Notice of acceptance: September 2026
Conference: 31 May – 4 June 2027, Évora, Portugal

_{Photo by Jose Santos.}