The more you delve into The Transdisciplinary (TD) School, you may notice we are a globally unique entity in a variety of ways.
Learning and teaching: We offer single and double-degree programs, university-wide elective programs, and master's programs.
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, TD School covers these, but also includes:
- Creative practices
- Human-centered 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. TD School 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.
- Sustainable societies – Enabling the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Transformative learning – Unleashing the transformative potential of learning for individuals, organisations and society
- Responsible technology – Technology can transform the way we live our lives – as much in positive as in negative 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 animal? 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.
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.
* View this figure in a text-readable PDF format
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, email TDResearch@uts.edu.au.