Transdisciplinary Research

Transdisciplinary research is rapidly becoming a key paradigm in global health. Transdisciplinary research is distinct from mono-, multi- and interdisciplinary research. It integrates knowledge from scientific disciplines with the experiential knowledge of societal actors (e.g. patients, health professionals, NGOs, government, industry, and international organisations), jointly involving scientists and societal actors in defining problems and identifying and implementing interventions through mutual learning and co-creation. Evidence-based transdisciplinary research methodologies (e.g. as developed by VU University Amsterdam) provide the guiding principles of this programme – from theme selection to PhD research design to implementation and publication.