The complex challenges facing the world today call for a more effective approach to scientific research, involving a wider range of stakeholders working together to address common problems.

Transdisciplinary (TD) research engages scientists and practitioners from various disciplines and societal members. All partners participate in the research process from the very beginning, contributing to framing the problem and the research questions. The knowledge produced is thus more relevant to society, and can lead to more effective and sustainable solutions.

Since 2014 START has worked with partners to strengthen capacity in development, use, and evaluation of TD approaches. For instance, with the Centre for Complex Systems in Transition at Stellenbosch University, Transdisciplinary Lab at ETH Zurich, International Social Science Council (ISSC), and the National Research Foundation of South Africa, START has led efforts to outline curricula for training courses on TD research and application.