Research on land use under climate change calls for stronger integration between the social and natural sciences in order to address so-called “wicked problems.” Natural scientists are encouraged to consider how ecosystems are shaped by human processes, while social scientists need to account for how ecological dynamics influence societies. Only through such integration can land use be more comprehensively understood and effectively governed. At the same time, interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary collaborations present significant challenges—particularly in research partnerships between actors in the Global North and South, and when both scientific and societal stakeholders are involved.
This workshop set out to engage with themes central to international, inter- and transdisciplinary, and locally embedded research. Its aim was to further conceptualize and critically reflect on transdisciplinary approaches within ongoing research practices.
The workshop began with an introduction to joint research on land use under climate change in Ecuador conducted by Prof. Dr. Elisabeth Dietze and Dr. Ann-Kathrin Volmer. This research is closely linked to the project “Tejiendo agua en el territorio,” which involves transdisciplinary, participatory community research around Lake San Pablo, Ecuador. The project was presented by Prof. Dr. Elizabeth Velarde (Universidad Técnica del Norte, Ibarra, Ecuador).
Subsequent sessions featured contributions from experienced researchers, including Prof. Dr. Jana Zscheischler, Dr. Rebecca Froese, Prof. Dr. Dolors Armenteras, Prof. Dr. Eva Youkhana, and Dr. Carolina Tobón Ramirez.
In a concluding phase, key themes of transdisciplinarity were discussed from both conceptual and practical perspectives. Particular attention was given to ethical principles and power relations in North–South research contexts. Discussions took place in small groups following a World Café format, with collaboration partners from Ecuador joining via Zoom.
The debates were guided by a set of questions collected and synthesized in advance from all participants:
- Q1: How can asymmetrical power structures in North–South research settings be described?
- Q2: How can institutional differences be accounted for in transdisciplinary research contexts
- Q3: How can differences in knowledge bases and knowledge contexts be understood when combining them in inter- and transdisciplinary research?
- Q4: How can the interests of different stakeholder groups be identified and integrated, and how do they translate into research goals?
- Q5: Which strategies can support fair collaboration despite unequal funding opportunities?
- Q6: How can inter- and transdisciplinary data be managed in a coherent, fair, and accessible manner?
On the final day, a writing retreat was held to synthesize the discussions and results. This collaborative effort focused on developing a joint paper addressing key challenges and opportunities in applying transdisciplinary methodologies within North–South research contexts.
Sincere thanks are extended to all participants for their active and collaborative engagement. The workshop was funded by the Step Program of the Equal Opportunity and Diversity Unit at the University of Bonn. It was initiated by Dr. Ann-Kathrin Volmer as part of her project “Including the role of indigenous knowledge in water governance: The case study of Lago San Pablo, Ecuador".
