Transdisciplinary research should reflect on dealing with the same problem but using different lenses and break disciplinary silos by co-designing projects and co-producing, co-implementing and co-dissemination projects.
The FAR-LeaF Education Cluster regional workshop was recently held at the University of Zimbabwe. The workshop was attended by Faculty members from the University of Zimbabwe, representatives from government institutions, policymakers, industry players, practitioners, non-governmental organisations, and University of Zimbabwe graduate and undergraduate students.
The workshop sought to deepen the participants’ knowledge and experiences on transdisciplinarity, share opportunities for networking and capacity building and gain knowledge on writing policy briefs and scientific publications.
Education Cluster Coordinator Dr Ebenezer Amankwaa provided background information to the FAR-LeaF program, launched in 2022 by Future Africa, University of Pretoria, with Carnegie Corporation of New York funding. The FAR-LeaF programme seeks to build capacity and widen networks; hence, the cluster is interested in establishing networks with the University of Zimbabwe.
Transdisciplinary research should reflect on dealing with the same problem but using different lenses and break disciplinary silos by co-designing projects and co-producing, co-implementing and co-dissemination projects. How we adapted as multi-disciplinarians in the research was a complex navigating process.
Dr Sophie Etomes led a discussion on how to adapt to different disciplines to address complex challenges. Researchers often come up with solutions from a point of authority when they do not involve communities; some of the solutions they try to implement are not what the community is looking for. Community involvement is imperative for research to come up with tailored solutions. Researchers should learn to work with others with different languages and disciplines and manage the power differences to meet the desired outcome. Researchers must desist from limiting themselves to academia and publishing and focus on creating models to help the communities.
Dr Hellen Namawejje focussed on writing grant proposals and stated that financial management skills are vital in grant writing. Collaboration is critical, and she advised looking for people you can work with and adding them to your application.
Dr Jumoke Oladele shared tips on Science & International Networking. The established networks are maintained by digital networks such as ORCID, LinkedIn, Google Scholar, or ResearchGate. She advised the workshop attendees to attend conferences, showcase their work and connect with the community.
Dr Amankwaa is confident that the participants have gained an understanding of transdisciplinary research practices and how to apply them. They acquired skills in science diplomacy, particularly on how to engage with policymakers, develop policy briefs and disseminate research findings to the non-academic community, including policymakers, and established and expanded regional collaborations and networks.
He encouraged participants to think transdisciplinaryly in every aspect of their lives and practise diversity in their particular areas. He suggested they follow scientific communities such as Future Earth, Future Science and Future Africa and explore scholarship and fellowship opportunities.
Reworked from Education Cluster Report
