Session: FG-171
How to live transdisciplinary marine science successfully

Balancing conservation with sustainable development to maximize human well-being requires a holistic understanding of social-ecological systems. The basis for this understanding are scientific and local knowledge combined in a transdisciplinary approach of co-design and co-production to derive a robust understanding of trade-offs between different ecological, economic, social, cultural and institutional objectives. The goal of the Focus... [ view more ]

Balancing conservation with sustainable development to maximize human well-being requires a holistic understanding of social-ecological systems. The basis for this understanding are scientific and local knowledge combined in a transdisciplinary approach of co-design and co-production to derive a robust understanding of trade-offs between different ecological, economic, social, cultural and institutional objectives. The goal of the Focus Group Session is to work on challenges of inter- and transdisciplinary research and practical ways of addressing these. These challenges involve the co-design of research questions and co-production of knowledge, as well as exploring tools and how to develop them to specifically evaluate coupled social-ecological systems. Who should be involved when in the process of defining questions, doing the research and finally implementing solutions? What are key factors for a successful stakeholder dialog and the process of co-design and co-production? When are we ready for transdisciplinarity? The outcome of the session should be a short and concise session report with best practices and case studies. This 240-minute session (ca. 30 participants) consists of a set of 3-5 impulse presentations (max. 10 minutes each, including interactive discussion during the presentation), highlighting different aspects of transdisciplinary research and the development of tools. In addition, we specifically invite the presentation of case studies, highlighting challenges and solutions (max. 4 minutes) in the session. Key questions will be addressed using a World Café format and a final plenary discussion.