Transdisciplinary Research Academy
Complex problems, like adapting to climate change, managing for biodiversity, and conserving water resources, require many voices and knowledges to find workable solutions. Transdisciplinary research – research that combines the knowledge and expertise of multiple academic disciplines with the knowledge and expertise of non-academic partners like community members, practitioners, and policy makers – is an effective way to generate the new knowledge and solutions we need. However, building and sustaining transdisciplinary research teams that equitably incorporate all the necessary actors and perspectives is also a complex problem!
The Transdisciplinary Research Academy is a professional learning program that introduces key skills for successful transdisciplinary research. The Academy is grounded in the use of transdisciplinary practices for climate, environmental, and health research - but the tools and skills we focus on are applicable across disciplines and research topics.
In this interactive seven-part academy, we’ll introduce some of the key skills for successful transdisciplinary research in the climate and environmental sciences, including the theory and practice of knowledge mobilization and uptake; community-engaged research methods; ethical practices in transdisciplinary and community-engaged research; and collaborative project management strategies for multi-organizational teams.
The Academy takes place in-person in the McClelland Park Building, room 210. Sessions are on Fridays from 2pm - 4pm.
Session topics and dates:
- Transdisciplinary approaches to moving research into action - Friday January 23, 2026.
- Spectrum of engagement in transdisciplinary research - Friday February 6, 2026.
- Ethical practices in engaged and transdisciplinary research - Friday February 20, 2026.
- Data collection and analysis in transdisciplinary research - Friday March 6, 2026.
- Planning transdisciplinary research projects - Friday March 27, 2026.
- Collaborative project management techniques - Friday April 10, 2026.
- Evaluating the impact of transdisciplinary research - Friday May 1, 2026.
Space in these sessions is limited to 15 people. Preference will be given to those who can commit to all seven sessions, but please still apply if you would like to attend but aren’t able to make all seven sessions – we will include as many people as we can.
The deadline to apply is Monday December 1, 2025.
For questions or to learn more about the Academy, please contact Alison M. Meadow, Office of Societal Impact, meadow@arizona.edu