Member Publications
The ITD Alliance is pleased to feature publications authored by its members. These published papers, books, chapters, and other material highlight inter- or trandisciplinarity or some other form of boundary crossing or collaborative mode of research and practice. This feature begins in early 2025 and will include publications from late 2024 forward.
The full citation will link to the online version of the publication and will open in a new tab. You can sort the table by clicking on the column heading. You can also search for specific words or phrases in any of the fields in the search box at the top right of the table.
ITD Alliance members are invited to submit recent publications. See details for submitting below. To join the ITD Alliance, see our Membership page.
| Member Author(s) | Publication Citation | Description | Date Added | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Umar Ibrahim, Jason Prior | Ibrahim, U., Prior, J. (2024). Planetary Health Governance: A Tool of Transdisciplinary Collaborations for Sustainable Development. In: Filho, W.L., Vidal, D.G., Dinis, M.A.P. (eds) Planetary Health and Climate Change: Understanding the Impacts of Climate Change to the Well-Being of Our Planet. Climate Change Management. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-72740-5_17 | The chapter explores planetary health governance as a framework for addressing climate change through transdisciplinary collaborations. It emphasizes integrating diverse sectors and disciplines to foster sustainable development, aligning human health, environmental stewardship, and equitable policy-making to mitigate climate change impacts and promote planetary well-being. | 07-Jan-25 | https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-72740-5_17 |
| Rick Szostak | Szostak R. Interdisciplinary and Integrative Research. In: Edlund JE, Nichols AL, eds. The Cambridge Handbook of Research Methods and Statistics for the Social and Behavioral Sciences: Volume 2: Performing Research. Cambridge Handbooks in Psychology. Cambridge University Press; 2024:261-282. https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009000796.013 | The article provides an overview of the literature on how to perform interdisciplinary research. It notes that integrative research can also be pursued within disciplines. | 17-Jan-25 | https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009000796.013 |
| Alexandra Lux, Michael Kress-Ludwig, Flurina Schneider | Lux, A., Kreß-Ludwig, M., Schneider, F., 2024. Transdisciplinary Research Process, in: Darbellay, F. (Ed.), Elgar Encyclopedia of Inter- and Transdisciplinarity. Edgar Elgar, pp. 553–557. https://doi.org/10.4337/9781035317967.ch121 | This entry in the Encyclopedia on Inter- and Transdisciplinarity outlines transdisciplinary research as a collaborative process between researchers and societal actors to address real-world problems. It introduces a three-phase model—problem framing, generation of integrated knowledge, and integrative assessment—highlighting the importance of integration, adaptability, reflexivity, and tailoring processes to context-specific transformative goals. | 21-Jan-25 | https://doi.org/10.4337/9781035317967.ch121 |
| Alexandra Lux, Oskar Marg, Flurina Schneider | Lux, A., Marg, O., Schneider, F., 2024. Integration, in: Darbellay, F. (Ed.), Elgar Encyclopedia of Inter- and Transdisciplinarity. Edgar Elgar, pp. 277–280. https://doi.org/10.4337/9781035317967.ch61 | This entry in the Encyclopedia on Inter- and Transdisciplinarity emphasizes the critical role of integration in addressing complex societal problems. It explores how integration connects diverse knowledge systems and entities, supports methodological creativity, and fosters collaboration across cognitive, social, and communicative dimensions. The entry outlines strategies for creating socially robust, scientifically rigorous outcomes tailored to specific project contexts. | 21-Jan-25 | https://doi.org/10.4337/9781035317967.ch61 |
| Sabine Hoffmann, Lisa Deutsch, Michael O’Rourke | Hoffmann, S., Deutsch, L., O’Rourke, M. (2024). Integration experts and expertise. In: Darbellay, F. (Ed.), Elgar Encyclopedia of Interdisciplinarity and Transdisciplinarity. ElgarOnline, eBook, pp 273-276. https://doi.org/10.4337/9781035317967.ch60 | This encyclopedia entry focuses on integration experts, who lead, administer, manage, monitor, assess, accompany and/or advise others on integration across science, policy and practice. It identifies integration experts’ diverse roles and discusses their personal qualities (e.g., curiosity, sociability, creativity, reflectivity, humility) and expertise (e.g., contributory expertise, interactional expertise, referred expertise). | 01-Feb-25 | https://doi.org/10.4337/9781035317967.ch60 |
| Sabine Hoffmann | Hoffmann, S. (2024). Synthesizing. In: Darbellay, F. (Ed.), Elgar Encyclopedia of Interdisciplinarity and Transdisciplinarity. ElgarOnline, eBook, pp 505-508. https://doi.org/10.4337/9781035317967.ch111 | This encyclopedia entry defines synthesis as an intentional and purposeful collaborative process that generates new knowledge by integrating heterogeneous contributions from different disciplines, fields and sectors across spatial or temporal scales. It introduces different synthesis stages, methods and procedures and discusses challenges inherent in such collaborative processes. | 01-Feb-25 | https://doi.org/10.4337/9781035317967.ch111 |
| Iain Gordon | Cheok, J., van Velden, J., Fulton, E.A., Gordon, I.J., Lyons, I., Peterson, G.D., Wren, L, and Hill, R. (2025). Framings in Indigenous futures thinking: barriers, opportunities, and innovations. Sustainability Science, https://doi.org/10.1007/s11625-024-01615-1 | Human societies face existential challenges like climate change and social unrest. Futures thinking, especially from Indigenous perspectives, offers innovative solutions, including unique worldviews and methodologies. This study identifies patterns, highlights innovative approaches, and creates a glossary to aid further research and innovation in Indigenous futures thinking. | 05-Feb-25 | https://doi.org/10.1007/s11625-024-01615-1 |
| Benjamin Hofmann, Hanna Salomon, Sabine Hoffmann | Hofmann, B., Salomon, H. & Hoffmann, S. (2025). Roles of researchers in inter- and transdisciplinary sustainability research: a reflection tool. Sustainability Science https://doi.org/10.1007/s11625-024-01619-x | The paper introduces a new reflection tool that allows researchers to reflect on their roles in inter- and transdisciplinary projects and on related opportunities, challenges, and coping strategies. It illustrates the tool’s value by reporting results from its application in two inter- and transdisciplinary projects in the area of sustainability. | 20-Feb-25 | https://doi.org/10.1007/s11625-024-01619-x |
| Rick Szostak | Repko, A., Szostak, R., & Phillips Buchberger, M. (2025). Introduction to interdisciplinary studies (4th ed.). SAGE Publications, Inc. https://collegepublishing.sagepub.com/products/introduction-to-interdisciplinarystudies-4-279175 | We have made extensive changes in this revision, in response both to many suggestions from instructors and to the burgeoning literature in the field. We have in particular updated our discussions of critical interdisciplinarity and philosophy of interdisciplinarity. We have added an assignment in which students explain their interdisciplinary education to a prospective employer. | 24-Feb-25 | https://collegepublishing.sagepub.com/products/introduction-to-interdisciplinary-studies-4-279175 |
| Benjamin Hofmann, Sabine Hoffmann | Hofmann, B., Fischer, M., Ingold, K., Lieberherr, E. and Hoffmann, S. (2025). Knowledge Cumulation at Science-Policy Interfaces: Opportunities for Environmental Governance Research. Environmental Policy and Governance. https://doi.org/10.1002/eet.2155 | The article argues that knowledge cumulation, a precondition for societal impact of science, happens not only within academia but also at science-policy interfaces (SPIs). It outlines opportunities for knowledge cumulation at SPIs, discusses challenges, and illustrates them with empirical examples on climate change, biodiversity and natural resources, and food systems. The citation in this table links to a read-only version freely shareable on websites: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/share/author/GSMXIAYCB9HEWHMPEWDB?target=10.1002/eet.2155. | 14-Mar-25 | https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/share/author/GSMXIAYCB9HEWHMPEWDB?target=10.1002/eet.2155 |
| Lisa Deutsch, Christian Pohl, Sabine Hoffmann | Deutsch, L., Pohl, C., Bresch, D.N., & Hoffmann, S. (2025). Creating favorable conditions for inter- and transdisciplinary integration – An analytical framework and empirical insights. Global Environmental Change, 91. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gloenvcha.2024.102963 | The paper analyses three large inter- and transdisciplinary (ITD) initiatives addressing complex social-ecological challenges. It presents a framework to identify entry points of action for transforming structural barriers and offers recommendations for different actor groups to foster ITD integration in the future. | 19-Mar-25 | https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gloenvcha.2024.102963 |
| Lisa Deutsch, Sabine Hoffmann | Deutsch, L., Björnsen, A., Fischer, A., Hama, M.A., Zimmermann, N., Zurbrügg, C., & Hoffmann, S. (2025). Herding cats: integrative leadership strategies in inter- and transdisciplinary research programs. Sustainability Science, 20, 95-115. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11625-024-01585-4 | This paper examines the vital role of integrative leadership in inter- and transdisciplinary (ITD) sustainability research programs. Drawing on three Swiss case studies, it identifies six core leadership challenges and presents practical strategies, offering guidance for future ITD program design and allocation of leadership resources. | 19-Mar-25 | https://doi.org/10.1007/s11625-024-01585-4 |
| Roosmarijn van Woerden, Iris van der Tuin | van Woerden, R., van Goch, M. M., Schruijer, S. G. L., & van der Tuin, I. (2025). Students’ teamwork behaviour in multidisciplinary student teams: an ethnographic case study. Higher Education Research & Development, 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1080/07294360.2025.2468394 | Multidisciplinary teamwork is needed to bring together disciplinary insights and to create a more comprehensive understanding of these problems. This study analysed teamwork behaviour of higher education students in multidisciplinary student teams (MSTs), using observational data. | 20-Mar-25 | https://doi.org/10.1080/07294360.2025.2468394 |
| Rick Szostak | Repko, A., & Szostak, R. (2025). Interdisciplinary Research: Process and Theory (5th ed.). Sage. https://collegepublishing.sagepub.com/products/interdisciplinary-research-5-282493 | This edition is thoroughly updated to reflect recent literature and advice from instructors. We have in particular added much material aimed at graduate students. We have updated the examples used throughout the text. We have restructured the chapters on integration around a set of integration strategies. We stress that interdisciplinary evaluation complements disciplinary evaluation. | 01-Apr-25 | https://collegepublishing.sagepub.com/products/interdisciplinary-research-5-282493 |
| Brian Belcher | Belcher, B., & Claus, R. (2025). A Quality Assessment Framework for Transdisciplinary Research Design, Monitoring, and Evaluation: Guidance for Application. MethodsX, 103264. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mex.2025.103264 | This article presents a refined framework of TDR quality criteria organized around the principles of relevance, credibility, legitimacy, and positioning for use, and provides guidance for applying the framework in TDR design, monitoring and evaluation, with particular attention to merit review of research proposals. | 02-Apr-25 | https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mex.2025.103264 |
| Bianca Vienni-Baptista | Simon, D., & Vienni-Baptista, B., (Eds.). (2025). Transformative Inter- and Transdisciplinary Methods for Global Societal Challenges. [Special issue]. Global Social Challenges Journal, 4(1). https://bristoluniversitypressdigital.com/gsc/view/ journals/gscj/4/1/gscj.4.issue-1.xml | Interdisciplinarity & transdisciplinarity are multidimensional & entail heterogeneous practices, values, institutionalising processes, imaginaries & programmatic approaches. This issue puts this plurality at the centre of attention & shows the wealth of expertise that has been developed while addressing the challenges facing global society. This issue is dedicated to the memory of the late Julie Thompson Klein. | 09-Apr-25 | https://bristoluniversitypressdigital.com/gsc/view/journals/gscj/4/1/gscj.4.issue-1.xml |
| Merritt Polk | Palmer, H., Polk, M., & Raviola, E. (2025). The situatedness of dilemmas in boundary spaces: uncovering paradoxical conditions for increasing effectiveness through transdisciplinary research approaches. Global Social Challenges Journal, 4(1), 20-45. https://doi.org/10.1332/27523349Y2024D000000027 | Winner of inaugural Julie Thompson Klein prize. “The Editors in Chief found the use of urban governance as the analytical vector very much in line with the core mission of the journal, and particularly valued the authors’ meticulous and deeply transdisciplinary methodology and the clear communication of the implications of their research, both for its methodology per se and for the insights it offers to others working within urban governance.” | 11-Apr-25 | https://doi.org/10.1332/27523349Y2024D000000027 |
| Julie Mennes | Mennes, J. (2025). Not all who integrate are academics: zooming in on extra-academic integrative expertise. Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, 12(1), 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-025-04661-x
| This paper contributes to a broader, more inclusive understanding of integrative expertise by drawing attention to the diversity of extra-academic integrative expertise, providing examples of what this expertise looks like in practice, and reflecting on differences with its academic counterpart. | 23-Apr-25 | https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-025-04661-x |
| Ulli Vilsmaier, Juliana Merçon | Vilsmaier, U., Hensler, L., Merçon, J., & Faschingeder, G. (Eds.). (2024). Aprendiendo de Paulo Freire para la investigación transdisciplinaria. Principios, Métodos y Experiencias. Conahcyt y Fondo de Cultura Económica. https://secihti.mx/difusion-y-promocion/libros/ [English: Vilsmaier, U., Hensler, L., Merçon, J., & Faschingeder, G. (Eds.). (2024). Learning from Paulo Freire for Transdisciplinary Research: Principles, Methods, and Experiences. National Council of Humanities, Sciences and Technologies (CONAHCyT) and Economic Culture Fund (FCE).] | Learning from Paulo Freire for transformative, inter- and transdisciplinary research: In a series of three publications – two special issues (in English) and a volume (in Spanish) – 16 authors from Latin America and Europe revisit the work of Brazilian educator Paulo Freire to mobilise it for inter- and transdisciplinary research and learning today. What can we learn from a Brazilian educator who dedicated his life to the liberation from oppression? Paulo Freire’s approach to research and learning incorporates ground-breaking principles for individual and social transformation. The idea of learning ‘to read and to write the world’ that is at the bottom of his literacy approach offers a fresh perspective on inter- and transdisciplinary research. Freire’s approach also challenges techno-scientific discourses with its profound ethical-political claim. [Ed. note: Open access versions were made available in June 2025.] | 23-Jun-25 | https://secihti.mx/difusion-y-promocion/libros/ |
| Ulli Vilsmaier, Juliana Merçon | Faschingeder, G., Vilsmaier, U. & Merçon, J. (Eds.). (2024) The Praxis of Transformative Research: Revisiting Paulo Freire [Special issue]. Journal of Development Studies XXXX(4). https://doi.org/10.20446/JEP-2414-3197-40-4-4 | Learning from Paulo Freire for transformative, inter- and transdisciplinary research: In a series of three publications – two special issues (in English) and a volume (in Spanish) – 16 authors from Latin America and Europe revisit the work of Brazilian educator Paulo Freire to mobilise it for inter- and transdisciplinary research and learning today. What can we learn from a Brazilian educator who dedicated his life to the liberation from oppression? Paulo Freire’s approach to research and learning incorporates ground-breaking principles for individual and social transformation. The idea of learning ‘to read and to write the world’ that is at the bottom of his literacy approach offers a fresh perspective on inter- and transdisciplinary research. Freire’s approach also challenges techno-scientific discourses with its profound ethical-political claim. [Ed. note: Open access versions were made available in June 2025.] | 23-Jun-25 | https://mattersburgerkreis.at/site/de/publikationen/jep/alleausgabenartikel/article/588.html |
| Ulli Vilsmaier, Juliana Merçon | Vilsmaier, U., Faschingeder, G., & Merçon, J. (Eds.). (2020). Methods for Inter- and Transdisciplinary Research and Learning based on Paulo Freire [Special issue]. Journal of Development Studies XXXVI(3). https://doi.org/10.20446/JEP-2414-3197-36-3-4 | Learning from Paulo Freire for transformative, inter- and transdisciplinary research: In a series of three publications – two special issues (in English) and a volume (in Spanish) – 16 authors from Latin America and Europe revisit the work of Brazilian educator Paulo Freire to mobilise it for inter- and transdisciplinary research and learning today. What can we learn from a Brazilian educator who dedicated his life to the liberation from oppression? Paulo Freire’s approach to research and learning incorporates ground-breaking principles for individual and social transformation. The idea of learning ‘to read and to write the world’ that is at the bottom of his literacy approach offers a fresh perspective on inter- and transdisciplinary research. Freire’s approach also challenges techno-scientific discourses with its profound ethical-political claim. [Ed. note: Open access versions were made available in June 2025.] | 23-Jun-25 | https://mattersburgerkreis.at/site/de/publikationen/jep/alleausgabenartikel/article/502.html |
| Iris van der Tuin | van der Tuin, I. (Ed.). (2025). Key Texts on Interdisciplinary Higher Education. Policy Press. https://policy.bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/key-texts-on-interdisciplinary-higher-education | Created to support course developers, this reader offers essential guidance for designing interdisciplinary higher education courses. It offers foundational extracts and practical advice to save time, gain expert insights and create impactful courses that meet today's challenges. | 23-Jun-25 | https://policy.bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/key-texts-on-interdisciplinary-higher-education |
| Benjamin Hofmann | Hofmann, B., Reber, U., Ammann, P., Dötzer, J., Mark, J., McCallum, C., Wiget, M. & Zachmann, L. (2025). A typology of interdisciplinary collaborations: insights from agri-food transformation research. Sustainability Science. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11625-025-01702-x | The paper introduces three types of interdisciplinary collaborations: (I) common base, (II) common destination, and (III) sequential link. It provides empirical examples for these types from agri-food research, demonstrating how the typology helps to systematize and reflect on interdisciplinary research design and implementation. | 27-Jun-25 | https://doi.org/10.1007/s11625-025-01702-x |
| Ulli Vilsmaier, Machiel Keestra, Juliana Merçon, (Julie Thompson Klein-valued founder member until passing in 2023) | Vilsmaier, U., Thompson Klein, J., Keestra, M., and Merçon, J. (2025). Inter- and transdisciplinarity. In T. Roelcke, R. Breeze, and J. Engberg (Eds.), Specialized Communication: An International Handbook (pp. 87-105). DeGruyter Mouton. https://doi.org/10.1515/9783110672633-005 | The Handbook of Specialized Communication captures relevant knowledge of specialized languages and professional communication on central issues where dialogue is urgently needed concerning both their intellectual underpinning and the day-to-day practices associated with them. The chapter on inter- and transdisciplinarity introduces defining characteristics, conceptual pluralism and practices of conceptual work to address phenomena or problems that require boundary-crossing approaches to be named, understood, and resolved. | 11-Jul-25 | https://doi.org/10.1515/9783110672633-005 |
| Giedre Kligyte, Jacqueline Melvold, Susanne Pratt | Kligyte, G., Melvold, J., Pratt, S., & Bowdler, B. (2025). Educating for sustainable and equitable futures: A transdisciplinary future-making capability framework. Futures, 103665. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.futures.2025.103665 | The paper synthesises diverse education literature and frameworks to present a Transdisciplinary Future-making Capabilities Framework. Drawing on Sen's and Nussbaum's theorising, capabilities are seen as contextual and relational – as opportunities converted to functionings. Eight transdisciplinary future-making capabilities for complex challenges and systems transformation are articulated and defined. The paper demonstrates how transdisciplinarity expands existing approaches to educating for sustainable and equitable futures. | 24-Jul-25 | https://doi.org/10.1016/j.futures.2025.103665 |
| Roderick Lawrence | Lawrence, R.J. (2025). Paths to Transdisciplinarity: Reconnecting Pathways and Positionality. World Futures, 81(5), 329-348. https://doi.org/10.1080/02604027.2025.2483133 | Transdisciplinarity is evolving with multiple pathways that coexist. This article considers paths as metaphors for helping to better understand multiple definitions and interpretations of transdisciplinarity that coexist and do not necessarily converge. Path metaphors enable reflexive thinking and dialogue between people on different paths about global understandings of complex societal challenges. | 03-Aug-25 | https://doi.org/10.1080/02604027.2025.2483133 |
| Stephen Crowley, Machiel Keestra, Bethany Laursen, Julie Mennes | Keestra, M., & Schmidt, J.C. (Eds.). (2024). Philosophy of Interdisciplinary. [special issue]. Issues in Interdisciplinary Studies, 42(1&2). [Open Access, Online publication: 25 July 2025] https://interdisciplinarystudies.org/volume-42-2024/ | This special issue on the Philosophy of Interdisciplinarity explores its conceptual and philosophical ramifications, emphasizing pluralism, reflexivity, and critique. Presenting 11 articles written by scholars representing eight countries, these are grouped under four headings: Plurality of Concepts and Notions, Plurality of Integration, Plurality and Normativity, and Plurality by Valuing Diversity. | 05-Aug-25 | https://interdisciplinarystudies.org/volume-42-2024/ |
| Gabriele Bammer, Chris Browne | Bammer, G., Foley, T., Chitravas, N., Richardson, A.P., Valter, K., Nabavi, E., Johns-Boast, L., Browne, C., Nurmikko-Fuller, T., Jones, J. (2025). Advancing transdisciplinarity through library – academic collaboration. Humanities and Social Sciences Communications 12: article 1326. [open access] https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-025-05492-6 | The potential of academic libraries and the field of information science to support transdisciplinarity is largely unrealised. The reasons for this are explored and a case study of how a library – academic collaboration produced a world-first library guide for transdisciplinary problem solving is described, along with lessons for how other libraries can help move transdisciplinarity forward in their institutions and with suggestions for how the field of information science can support such advances. | 14-Aug-25 | https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-025-05492-6 |
| Kareem Buyana | Buyana, K., Walubwa, J., Mukwaya, P., Sseviiri, H., Byarugaba, D. and Nsangi, G. (2025). The role of visual ethnography in co-producing climate information services in cities. Global Social Challenges Journal, 4(1), 63-82. https://doi.org/10.1332/27523349Y2025D000000041 | Co-production of climate information services using visual ethnography could increase societal usability of climate science, and can make societal knowledge on risks and responses accessible and usable across different science disciplines. Based on case study findings from Kampala city in Uganda, local-level framings of climate risks and responses were grouped into exploratory and intersectional framings. The transdisciplinary potential of visual ethnography permits interactional framing of converse stakeholder views come through on the discourse about confronting global challenges like climate change and urbanisation. | 22-Aug-25 | https://doi.org/10.1332/27523349Y2025D000000041 |
| Machiel Keestra | Keestra, M. & Schmidt, J.C. (2024). Pluralism, Reflexivity and Critique: Introduction to the Special Issue on Philosophy of Interdisciplinarity. Issues in Interdisciplinary Studies, 42(1-2), 1-20. [Open Access, Online publication: 25 July 2025] https://interdisciplinarystudies.org/vol42-pluralism-reflexivity-and-critique-introduction-to-the-special-issue-on-philosophy-of-interdisciplinarity/ | We introduce this Special Issue on Philosophy of Interdisciplinarity by contending that with its conceptual and functional heterogeneity, interdisciplinarity presents a relevant challenge and opportunity for philosophy, with a key role for its dimensions of plurality as opposed to monism, reductionism and scientific unification. All 11 philosophical articles include an analysis of one or more practical examples of actual interdisciplinary research and are organized under four headings: Plurality of Concepts and Notions, Plurality of Integration, Plurality and Normativity, and Plurality by Valuing Diversity. The editors hope that this collection will advance a philosophy of interdisciplinarity that will critically and reflexively guide inter- and transdisciplinary practice towards a more societally relevant and robust practice, while it may also change the role philosophy can have for the sustainable future of our knowledge societies. | 6-Aug-25 | https://interdisciplinarystudies.org/vol42-pluralism-reflexivity-and-critique-introduction-to-the-special-issue-on-philosophy-of-interdisciplinarity/ |
| Stephen Crowley | Crowley, S., Gonnerman, C., & Robinson, B. (2024). Conceptual Ecology for Interdisciplinarity. Issues in Interdisciplinary Studies, 42(1-2), 75-104. [Open Access, Online publication: 25 July 2025] https://interdisciplinarystudies.org/vol42-conceptual-ecology-for-interdisciplinarity/ | We propose a framework on interdisciplinarity to address the disagreement about concepts of interdisciplinarity by drawing on ideas from philosophy of biology. Our conceptual ecological approach supports a productive conceptual pluralism, taking these concepts as tools shaped by the niches that they occupy - a pluralism that is organized and can help to address practical issues. A case study on the Toolbox Dialogue Initiative, a philosophical method for facilitating interdisciplinary collaboration, illustrates this approach. Finally, we highlight the theoretical and practical benefits of adopting a conceptual ecological approach to interdisciplinarity. | 6-Aug-25 | https://interdisciplinarystudies.org/vol42-conceptual-ecology-for-interdisciplinarity/ |
| Machiel Keestra | Keestra, M. & Dieleman, H. (2024). Conceptual Resisting the Imperative of Integration: Epistemic Injustice, Resistance and Openness in Inter- and Transdisciplinary Research. Issues in Interdisciplinary Studies, 42(1-2), 75-104. [Open Access, Online publication: 25 July 2025] https://interdisciplinarystudies.org/vol42-resisting-the-imperative-of-integration-epistemic-injustice-resistance-and-openness-in-inter-and-transdisciplinary-research/ | Resisting the ‘imperative of integration’ and responding to epistemic injustices, extra-academic stakeholders in inter/transdisciplinary research often engage in forms of epistemic resistance. We highlight these in case studies of autistic persons and of indigenous communities upholding ‘Buen Vivir’ in contrast to sustainability and conclude by advocating for epistemic humility and strategies like dialogue and imagination to address these injustices. | 06-Aug-25 | https://interdisciplinarystudies.org/vol42-resisting-the-imperative-of-integration-epistemic-injustice-resistance-and-openness-in-inter-and-transdisciplinary-research/ |
| Bethany Laursen | Laursen, B. (2024). Integrative Topologies: Customizable Models for Crossdisciplinary Knowledge Integration. Issues in Interdisciplinary Studies, 42(1-2), 75-104. [Open Access, Online publication: 25 July 2025] https://interdisciplinarystudies.org/vol42-integrative-topologies-customizable-models-for-crossdisciplinary-knowledge-integration/ | This article describes a new tool for clarifying complex (multi-part or multi-step) integrations. The tool is called an integrative topology, which visualizes the shape of an integrative pathway. Example topologies include the weave, zipper, and chain. The article presents the tool along with example uses for crossdisciplinary research and practice. | 6-Aug-25 | https://interdisciplinarystudies.org/vol42-integrative-topologies-customizable-models-for-crossdisciplinary-knowledge-integration/ |
| Julie Mennes | Weber, E., & Mennes, J. (2024). Interdisciplinary Research and Integration in Social Robotics. Issues in Interdisciplinary Studies, 42(1-2), 75-104. [Open Access, Online publication: 25 July 2025] https://interdisciplinarystudies.org/vol42-interdisciplinary-research-and-integration-in-social-robotics/ | This paper presents a case study of integration in interdisciplinary research aimed at developing technical artifacts. Examining the development of Probo, a social robot for robot-assisted therapy, it shows how interlocking disciplinary contributions triggered iterative cycles in which novel research was conducted within the participating disciplines. | 6-Aug-25 | https://interdisciplinarystudies.org/vol42-interdisciplinary-research-and-integration-in-social-robotics/ |
| Alex Baumber, Giedre Kligyte, Susanne Pratt | Kligyte, G., Pratt, S., van der Bijl-Brouwer, M., & Baumber, A. (2025). Educating for Societal Transitions. [special issue]. Higher Education Research & Development 44(6). https://www.tandfonline.com/toc/cher20/44/6 | The special issue of Higher Education Research and Development (HERD) on Educating for Societal Transitions, discusses working across disciplinary boundaries on real-world challenges as one of the signals of change in higher education (highlighting inter- and transdisciplinary approaches). The issue was co-edited by Giedre Kligyte, Susie Pratt, Mieke van der Bijl-Brouwer, and Alex Baumber from the Transdisciplinary School at the University of Technology Sydney. Of the 17 contributions, at least five focus specifically on transdisciplinary education. | 02-Sep-25 | https://www.tandfonline.com/toc/cher20/44/6 |
| Alex Baumber, Giedre Kligyte, Susanne Pratt | Kligyte, G., Pratt, S., van der Bijl-Brouwer, M., & Baumber, A. (2025). Educating for societal transitions. Higher Education Research & Development, 44(6), 1315–1329. https://doi.org/10.1080/07294360.2025.2538988 | [Editorial] This special issue explores how higher education can contribute to societal transitions. The editorial outlines conceptual foundations and signals of systemic change in universities: mutual transformation through real-world engagement, shifts in learning and teaching practices, and paradigm-challenging approaches. Among other themes, it highlights transdisciplinary approaches that connect universities with communities, embrace complexity and uncertainty, and broaden knowledge systems to support societal shifts toward inclusive, sustainable, and just futures. | 12-Sep-25 | https://doi.org/10.1080/07294360.2025.2538988 |
| Lucy Allen, Barbara Doran, Giedre Kligyte, Bem Le Hunte, Jacqueline Melvold, Susanne Pratt | Allen, L., Pratt, S., Le Hunte, B., Kligyte, G., Melvold, J., Doran, B., & Ross, K. (2025). Embodied learning for wicked problems and societal transitions: perspectives from transdisciplinary higher education practitioners. Higher Education Research & Development, 44(6), 1462–1479. https://doi.org/10.1080/07294360.2025.2514514 | Educators are increasingly drawn to embodied approaches in transdisciplinary education to prepare students for wicked problems and societal transitions. Through autoethnographic analysis, a group of Australian educators identify four embodied practice dimensions: transdisciplinary sensemaking, emotion-driven creativity, empathetic enactment, and embodied boundary-spanning. Supporting the integration of felt experiences with analytical thinking, these approaches enable students to address complex societal challenges and develop the necessary boundary-spanning capabilities. | 12-Sep-25 | https://doi.org/10.1080/07294360.2025.2514514 |
| Nina Bohm, Renate Klaassen | Bohm, N. L., Klaassen, R. G., den Brok, P., & van Bueren, E. (2025). Adaptive guidance for uncertainty: how teachers use scaffolding in transdisciplinary courses. Higher Education Research & Development, 44(6), 1444–1461. https://doi.org/10.1080/07294360.2025.2514513 | This study explores how teachers guide students through uncertainty in a 16-week transdisciplinary “Living Lab” course. Using reflective questionnaires and focus groups, it reveals the scaffolding strategies that teachers use to support students through the uncertainties of working on societal transitions. Findings also highlight the challenges for teachers in diagnostics, grounding, and clarity, offering insights to strengthen teaching in a transdisciplinary learning environment. | 12-Sep-25 | https://doi.org/10.1080/07294360.2025.2514513 |
| Giedre Kligyte, Annabelle Lewis, Jacqueline Melvold, Fanny Salignac | Lewis, A., Kligyte, G., Melvold, J., & Salignac, F. (2025). Future-oriented capabilities impact framework: measuring transdisciplinary higher education programmes’ contribution to societal transitions. Higher Education Research & Development, 44(6), 1497–1511. https://doi.org/10.1080/07294360.2025.2514511 | Given universities’ critical role in facilitating societal transitions, more meaningful performance measures than graduate employment or satisfaction are needed. The paper proposes a practical framework to evaluate the direct and indirect outcomes of programmes that develop transdisciplinary future-oriented capabilities. It thus prompts educators to measure their impact beyond university boundaries. | 12-Sep-25 | https://doi.org/10.1080/07294360.2025.2514511 |
| Sabine Hoffmann, Hanna Salomon, Jialin Zhang | Zhang J, Salomon H, Huber MN, Bugmann H, Dolker JE, Konig L, Krahenbuhl J, Lieberherr E, Logar I, McArdell B, Molnar P, Quatrini S, Schick V, Schlunegger F, Schmidt C, Zabel A, Hoffmann S. (2025). Developing a conceptual framework for interdisciplinary communication, collaboration, and integration: A structured approach. Ambio. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13280-025-02210-z [Open Access] | Conceptual frameworks can act as boundary objects in interdisciplinary teams, facilitating integration in contexts with incomplete knowledge, nonlinearity, and divergent interests. The paper presents a structured approach to develop such framework and applies it within a research project focused on enhancing the resilience of Swiss Alpine ecosystems. | 18-Sep-25 | https://doi.org/10.1007/s13280-025-02210-z |
| Bethany Laursen, M.S. (Peg) AtKisson | Laursen, B. K., AtKisson, M. S., Love, H. B., & Glauber, K. M. (2025). To advance translational science, remove these roadblocks to studying team knowledge integration. Journal of Clinical and Translational Science, 9(1). https://doi.org/10.1017/cts.2025.10137 | Gaps persist in what we know about knowledge integration, especially for translational research teams. In this perspective piece, we crystallize 4 roadblocks preventing translational scientists from filling these gaps. | 18-Sep-25 | https://doi.org/10.1017/cts.2025.10137 |
| Rick Szostak | Szostak, R. And Smiraglia, R. (2025). A Domain Analytic View of Interdisciplinary Studies. Proceedings from North American Symposium on Knowledge Organization, 10. https://doi.org/10.7152/nasko.v7i1.95649 | We performed a domain analysis of citations and abstracts in the Encyclopedia of Interdisciplinarity and Transdisciplinarity and the Handbook of Interdisciplinary Teaching and Administration. We identified most cited authors and publications, co-citation patterns, and the most commonly employed words and phrases in the abstracts. | 23-Sep-25 | https://doi.org/10.7152/nasko.v7i1.95649 |
| Ges Rosenberg | Newberry, P., & Rosenberg, G. (2025). Improving Collaborative Research Practices: Insights from knowledge exchange activities with UKPRP-funded consortia and networks. https://doi.org/10.71706/dab67a90-a185-4b70-ae7c-310bc4afca2c | This report investigates perceptions and case studies in what comprises ‘good’ inter/transdisciplinary research (ITDR) and identifies recommendations for improving the effectiveness of such collaborative research projects. It sets out the common challenges and captures the innovative ways research networks and consortia have been able to operationalise their ITDR projects. | 25-Sep-25 | https://doi.org/10.71706/dab67a90-a185-4b70-ae7c-310bc4afca2c |
ITD Alliance Members: Announce your “just-out” publications
Just had a paper, book or book chapter published? Does it highlight inter- or trandisciplinarity or some other form of boundary crossing or collaborative mode of research and practice? Let us know and we’ll be pleased to feature it in the ITD Alliance News Bulletin and on the ITD Alliance website.
Publication listings should be “just-out” (last few months) and include the:
- full citation,
- brief description of no more than 50 words (due to variable copyright restrictions, we are unable to publish full abstracts), and
- DOI URL.
Publication listings in all languages are welcome. If the publication is in a language other than English, we would welcome an English language translation of the citation and brief description.
Send your publication listings to Caryn Anderson (info@itd-alliance.org) with the subject: Member Publications.