The more you delve into The Transdisciplinary School (TDS), you may notice we are a globally unique hub in a variety of ways.
Learning and teaching
We offer single and double-degree programs, university-wide elective programs, and master's programs.
But a transdisciplinary education is about more than earning a qualification. It is about learning how to navigate complexity, collaborate across perspectives and create meaningful change in an increasingly uncertain world.
At TDS, students work across disciplines, engage with real-world challenges and develop the creativity, adaptability and systems thinking needed to thrive both today and in futures that have yet to emerge. We equip graduates not only for the jobs of tomorrow, but for the challenges, opportunities and possibilities that cannot yet be predicted
Research
Our research and teaching staff come from a radically diverse range of fields, and we use a variety of creative methods to combine their knowledge and expertise. Unlike many other organisations that focus on Environmental or Health sciences, TDS covers these, but also includes:
- Creative practices
- Human-centred design
- Innovation management.
This diversity helps us tackle a broader range of complex problems.
According to the OECD (2020) report 'Addressing societal Challenges using Transdisciplinary Research', transdisciplinary collaboration can support and be applied to many areas. TDS is one of the largest concentrations for transdisciplinary research, education, and practice globally. We often collaborate with other education and research institutions around the world because of the powerful nature of transdisciplinarity, and how it relies on the integration of different disciplines and perspectives.
Our research is characterised as being challenge-led, complexity-informed, future-focused, creative, integrative, collaborative, reflexive, adaptive, iterative, experimental and impact-driven. The methods we use go beyond environmental and health sciences and are based on methodological research strengths, including creative practices. This unique approach makes TD Research distinctive in the field of research, and allows our research team to navigate local, and global challenges, like no-one else can.
Our ways of working
The figure below is a high-level view of the elements of how we work, how we approach complex challenges and the characteristics of transdisciplinary research across our core focus areas.
Download our 'Ways of working' diagram Explore our research themes and lenses
Contact us
At TD Research, we don’t just study problems—we work across disciplines and public and private sectors to co-create solutions and navigate positive paths forward. Our approach blends systems science, socio-cultural insight, and design-led innovation to tackle challenges that no single field can solve alone. This is one of our competitive advantages and what makes us so unique.
By partnering with us, you gain access to a world-class team that’s skilled in navigating complexity, fostering collaboration, and turning bold ideas into actionable strategies. Together, we can shape a more inclusive, resilient, and forward-looking society.
To learn more and to see how TD Research can help you and your organisation, contact us below.