Go beyond traditional thinking
The world’s most pressing challenges don’t fit neatly within a single discipline - and they can’t be solved in isolation.
At the Transdisciplinary School (TDS), we bring together diverse expertise from academia, industry, policy and lived experience to tackle complex, real-world problems. Our approach integrates creativity, systems thinking and collaboration to generate new ways forward - supporting meaningful change today and into the future.
We work across UTS and partner with organisations locally and globally to translate research into real‑world impact.
Understanding Complexity
Many of the challenges shaping our world - climate resilience, emerging technologies, health, equity and sustainability - are complex.
They are made up of interconnected factors that influence one another in dynamic and often unpredictable ways. They rarely have a single cause, and they don’t have simple solutions.
Working effectively in this space requires more than traditional, linear problem-solving.
It calls for:
- Systems thinking
Translate research into real‑world impact.A way of looking at the big picture, focusing on how different parts of a system connect and influence each other rather than just examining each part separately. - Approaching adaptively and flexibly
Being flexible and adaptive allows individuals and organisations to adjust their actions adaptive and in response to changing circumstances. This dynamic nature enables them to embrace change and respond effectively to unexpected challenges. - Integration of diverse expertise and perspectives
This involves combining knowledge and methodologies from different disciplines which encourages collaboration and integration across various areas of study, breaking down traditional silos and fostering a more holistic understanding of the world.
How We Work with Complexity
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We work with complexity- not to simplify it, but to navigate it. Our transdisciplinary approach is designed to respond to evolving, real-world challenges and support meaningful, lasting impact.
Why Organisations Work with Us
We help organisations navigate complex challenges that cut across technology, people, policy, culture, sustainability and systems. By bringing together diverse expertise, stakeholders and lived experience, we help generate actionable pathways forward where traditional approaches often fall short.
Research across sectors
Working with government, industry, community organisations and international partners, TD Research applies transdisciplinary approaches to challenges in:
- Health
- Sustainability
- Climate
- Technology
- Futures
- Policy
and more
A transdisciplinary approach to complex real-world challenges
Learn more about our ways of working and our 8-step research framework.
Why transdisciplinary research matters
As national and global challenges become more complex and interconnected, the need for new approaches to research is growing.
Transdisciplinary research does the following:
Our research themes and cross-cutting lenses
Our work spans a wide range of interconnected domains - from digital systems and data to sustainability, health, society, future-focused design and more.
Sustainable societies
Enabling the achievement of the United Nations development goals (SDGs).
Transformative learning
Unleashing the transformative potential of learning for individuals, organisations and society.
Responsible technology
Technology can transform our lives in so many ways and redefine what it means to be human.
Health and wellbeing
Understanding the social and technical system in which health and wellbeing is managed, including knowing which data and experts to trust.
Multispecies societies
Humans or animals? Prey or predator? Domestic or wild? Native or introduced? How can we coexist with less conflict and more appreciation of each other’s benefits?
Innovation and change
Beyond new products and services, innovation includes new ideas, paradigms and methods that significantly change our productivity and our lives.
Futures thinking and foresight
Through this lens, we help people and organisations anticipate change, navigate complexity and shape more sustainable, just and resilient futures.
AI, People and planet
Through this lens, we are exploring how artificial intelligence can enhance human capability, support responsible decision-making and contribute to more equitable, sustainable and resilient futures.
Sustainable societies
Enabling the achievement of the United Nations development goals (SDGs).
Transformative learning
Unleashing the transformative potential of learning for individuals, organisations and society.
Responsible technology
Technology can transform our lives in so many ways and redefine what it means to be human.
Health and wellbeing
Understanding the social and technical system in which health and wellbeing is managed, including knowing which data and experts to trust.
Multispecies societies
Humans or animals? Prey or predator? Domestic or wild? Native or introduced? How can we coexist with less conflict and more appreciation of each other’s benefits?
Innovation and change
Beyond new products and services, innovation includes new ideas, paradigms and methods that significantly change our productivity and our lives.
Futures thinking and foresight
Through this lens, we help people and organisations anticipate change, navigate complexity and shape more sustainable, just and resilient futures.
AI, People and planet
Through this lens, we are exploring how artificial intelligence can enhance human capability, support responsible decision-making and contribute to more equitable, sustainable and resilient futures.
Our research centres and degrees
ARC Training Centre for Automated Vehicles in Rural and Remote Regions
This training centre is a pioneering research hub dedicated to advancing automated vehicle (AV) technologies tailored for rural, regional, and remote Australian roads.
Centre for Compassionate Conservation
The Centre for Compassionate Conservation (CfCC) is dedicated to transforming conservation actions by reimagining the relationship between humanity and the natural world.
Future Freight Co-Operative Research Centre
This research centre is addressing some of the most significant challenges facing Australia's freight industry.
Innovation and Entrepreneurship Collaborative
Engaged research on people, productivity, place, and policy relating to entrepreneurial capabilities and innovation.
Postgraduate Research Degrees
Explore our Master’s by Research and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees for local and international students.
The Council for the Advancement of Career–Parental Care Integration
The council is a growing and evolving international and transdisciplinary group fostering inclusive workplace environments that recognise the diverse roles of parents.
Our researchers
Arnick Abdollahi
Lecturer
Faculty of Law
Lucy Allen-Kelley
Lecturer
Faculty of Law
Alex Baumber
Director, Teaching And Learning
Faculty of Law
Martin Bliemel
Director Of Innovation
Faculty of Law
Chris Brown
Casual Academic
Faculty of Law
Paul Brown
Associate Professor
Faculty of Law
Dr Clarice Carvalho Garcia
Lecturer
Faculty of Law
Sara Caspani
Graduate Research Student
DVC (Research)
George Catsi
Casual Academic
Faculty of Design and Society
Rosalie Chapple
Senior Research Fellow
Faculty of Law
Jeff Crabtree
Casual Academic
Faculty of Design and Society
Bronwyn Cumbo
Lecturer
Faculty of Law
Alice Dong
Lecturer
Faculty of Law
Barbara Doran
Senior Lecturer
Faculty of Law
Kees Dorst
Professor
Faculty of Law
Kate Elton
Casual Academic
Faculty of Law
Tanja Golja
Senior Lecturer
Faculty of Law
Rhonda Grovenor
Graduate Research Student
Faculty of Design and Society
Jan Henrik Gruenhagen
Lecturer
Faculty of Law
Tony Huang
Course Director, Data Science And Innovation
Faculty of Law
Mir Kabir
Casual Academic
Faculty of Law
Leila Khanjaninejad
Adjunct Fellow
Faculty of Law
Giedre Kligyte
Senior Lecturer
Faculty of Law
Simon Knight
Associate Professor
Faculty of Law
Paulina Larocca
Casual Academic
Faculty of Law
Bem Le Hunte
Director, International
Faculty of Law
Jarnae Leslie
Lecturer
Faculty of Law
Luis Lozano-Paredes
Lecturer
Faculty of Law
Julien Marchand
Senior Lecturer
Faculty of Law
Feral – and threatened? Endangered camels, banteng and hog deer have found an unexpected refuge in Australia
Wild dromedary herds no longer roam the Sahara, while wild banteng are vanishingly rare in Southeast Asia. Should we protect their feral populations in...
What can free‑living Indian street dogs teach us about how to care for pet dogs?
A study of how Indian street dogs live raises questions about what it means to care for pet dogs.
Rethinking Fashion Waste
Across industries and supply chains, rethinking how textile waste is managed is essential to reducing environmental impact and unlocking new value in...
From classroom to council chamber: students speak out on data centres
Students in the Transdisciplinary subject TD: Pathways to Societal Transitions work with Lane Cove Council and local stakeholders to explore rapid data centre...
Feral – and threatened? Endangered camels, banteng and hog deer have found an unexpected refuge in Australia
Wild dromedary herds no longer roam the Sahara, while wild banteng are vanishingly rare in Southeast Asia. Should we protect their feral populations in...
What can free‑living Indian street dogs teach us about how to care for pet dogs?
A study of how Indian street dogs live raises questions about what it means to care for pet dogs.
Rethinking Fashion Waste
Across industries and supply chains, rethinking how textile waste is managed is essential to reducing environmental impact and unlocking new value in...
From classroom to council chamber: students speak out on data centres
Students in the Transdisciplinary subject TD: Pathways to Societal Transitions work with Lane Cove Council and local stakeholders to explore rapid data centre...