Transdisciplinarity is driven by the need to address complex real-world problems. It is characterized by the transgression of disciplinary and sectoral boundaries, common goal setting, and the creation of a higher-level synthesis or convergence of knowledge. It shares common features with its sister concept, interdisciplinarity, yet differs in that it places additional emphasis on the participation of societal actors—stakeholders and practitioners—in the process of knowledge co-production. Transdisciplinary research is grounded in principles to design and implement transformative processes that are characterized as interdisciplinary, collaborative, integrative, reflexive, problem-focused or purpose-oriented, participatory, and interactive.
This Article Collection in the Nature journal Humanities & Social Sciences Communications aims to advance transdisciplinary and transformative conceptual and methodological approaches to societal and global challenges. It focuses on transdisciplinarity in research, funding, and policymaking, particularly as applied to efforts that engage with societal and global challenges.
Contributions that explore, but are not limited to, the following thematic areas are invited:
- Foundations of transdisciplinary research: explorations of the concepts, principles, and theories that underpin transdisciplinary research, including its philosophical, cultural, epistemological, and ethical foundations. This theme also includes the role of the arts, humanities and social sciences in transdisciplinary research.
- Methodologies and integration processes: innovative methodological approaches that enable integration, synthesis, and reflexivity in problem-oriented research aimed at addressing societal transformations.
- Practices and case studies: empirical studies and documented experiences showcasing transdisciplinary research in practice, with attention to innovation, stakeholder engagement, and societal impact.
- Institutional and policy contexts: analyses of the structural, institutional, and policy environments that shape transdisciplinary research, including governance and organizational models, and education.
- Evaluation, funding, and implementation: discussions on how transdisciplinary initiatives are assessed, supported, and scaled, including frameworks for evaluation, monitoring, and funding strategies.
- Training and capacity building: explorations of pedagogical models, training programs, and capacity-building strategies that support the development of transdisciplinary competencies among researchers, practitioners, and societal actors.
Submission deadline 31 December 2026.