Transdisciplinarity in transformative ocean governance research—reflections of early career researchers

Abstract

This paper interrogates the concept of transdisciplinarity, both theoretically and practically, from a perspective of early career researchers (ECRs) in transformative ocean governance research. Aiming to advance research methodologies for future complex sustainability challenges, the paper seeks to illuminate some common uncertainties and challenges surrounding transdisciplinarity from a marine science perspective. Following a literature review on transdisciplinary research, workshops, and a series of surveys, we determine that transdisciplinarity appears to be a concept in search of definition, and that there is a need to explore transdisciplinarity specifically from an ocean research perspective. The paper discusses a number of challenges experienced by ECRs in conducting transdisciplinary research and provides recommendations for both ECRs wishing to undertake more equitable transdisciplinary research and for the UN Decade for Ocean Science to support ECRs in this endeavour (Figure 1). Based on our findings, we interrogate the role of non-academic collaborators in transdisciplinary research and argue that future transdisciplinarity will need to address power imbalances in existing research methods to achieve knowledge co-production, as opposed to knowledge integration.

Transdisciplinary transformative change: an analysis of some best practices and barriers, and the potential of critical social science in getting us there

“…see Verschuere et al, 2012;Voorberg et al, 2015;Turnhout et al, 2020;Chambers et al, 2022), on inter-and transdisciplinary collaborations more generally (e.g. see Hirsch Hadorn et al, 2008;Hoffmann et al 2017;Jaeger-Erben et al 2018) and TTCIs more specifically (see e.g., Fougères et al, 2022;Strand et al, 2022). Our goal here is three-fold.…”

Pathways to integrate Indigenous and local knowledge in ocean governance processes: Lessons from the Algoa Bay Project, South Africa

“…The need for transdisciplinary knowledge co-production that transcends academic institutions is needed to respond to complex social-ecological challenges to find sustainable, relevant and equitable solutions (see Benham and Daniell, 2016;Strand et al, 2022c). Reflecting on transdisciplinarity for transformative ocean governance, Strand et al (2022c), highlight that transdisciplinary research activities 'need to address power imbalances in existing research methods to achieve knowledge co-production, as opposed to knowledge integration'. This is also the case with existing ocean management approaches, therefore emphasizing the need to co-produce knowledge with ILK holders from the initiation and conceptualization of new projects and protected areas (see 5.1).…”

A will-o’-the wisp? On the utility of voluntary contributions of data and knowledge from the fishing industry to marine science

“…To differing degrees across the world, achieving this will involve adaptations to current fisheries governance frameworks toward new cultures of cooperation. Proposals for possible avenues have been suggested in a number of recent publications (Goḿez and Köpsel 2023;Bradley et al, 2019;Holm et al, 2020a;Fulton, 2021;Hart, 2021;Macher et al, 2021;Stephenson et al, 2021;Su et al, 2021;Strand et al, 2022). Better definition of industry's role in contributing to science will improve credibility and legitimacy of the scientific process, and of resulting management.…”