Read the paper: Leder, K., French, M.A., et al. 2024, Research Policy

Summary

By Karin Leder

Transdisciplinary research involves collaboration across various academic disciplines and with non-academic partners, such as local communities and governments. This approach is essential for tackling complex global issues like sustainable development. However, implementing such research is challenging, especially when it involves collaborations between high-income (global north) and low- and middle-income (global south) countries.

Key challenges include power imbalances, funding disparities, ethical concerns, and cultural differences. "Helicopter research," where researchers from the north conduct studies in the south with minimal local involvement, is particularly problematic. This can lead to unethical practices and inequitable benefits.
The paper highlights the importance of "boundary-spanning integrators" and "pracademics" – individuals who bridge gaps between different groups and ensure practical application of research findings. These roles are crucial but often overlooked in current research practices.

The authors propose a framework for implementing north-south transdisciplinary research responsibly. This framework includes five key domains:

• Collaborative leadership: Ensuring shared leadership and decision-making among all partners.
• Agile management: Being flexible and responsive to changing circumstances and needs.
• Flexible consortia: Building adaptable research teams that can effectively collaborate across boundaries.
• Researcher positionality: Acknowledging and addressing the power dynamics and biases that researchers bring to the project.
• Co-design and participation: Engaging local communities and stakeholders in the research process from the beginning.

By addressing these areas, the framework aims to support the development of equitable and effective research partnerships that can contribute to sustainable development goals. The study emphasises the need for reflexivity, critical reflection on power asymmetries, and the importance of building research capacities in the global south to ensure meaningful and lasting impacts.