Pathways to real-world impact in sustainability science

Transdisciplinary research approaches driving sustainable futures

Solving today’s sustainability crises—climate change, biodiversity loss, land degradation, among the most urgent—starts by breaking down silos. It requires science that transcends disciplines, sectors, and borders.

Four pathways for progress:

Change that prioritizes equity and inclusivity

While interdisciplinary science brings together knowledge from across fields, transdisciplinary approaches go further by including non-academic voices:

Policymakers

Industry stakeholders

Indigenous communities

Local leaders

This inclusive approach is crucial for addressing global inequalities and supporting the poorest and most vulnerable populations. By integrating diverse perspectives, science becomes more responsive to the needs of those most affected by sustainability challenges.

When researchers step beyond disciplinary boundaries, the impact is significant

Scientists working directly with communities to find solutions has enabled transitions to renewable energy, the reimagining of food systems, as well as guiding urban planning to be more climate resilient.

The Ebola Response Anthropology Platform in West Africa and agroecological collaborations between farmers and scientists across East Africa, as described by Shrivastava et al. in their article Science in crisis times: The crucial role of science in sustainability and transformation, demonstrate how transdisciplinary research helps communities adapt and thrive amid environmental stress. Such approaches are particularly effective in addressing the needs of marginalized communities, ensuring that interventions are equitable and inclusive.

Progress toward sustainability transformation depends on science that is integrated, inclusive, and action oriented. 

However, adopting this approach broadly faces challenges. Structural barriers—such as disciplinary silos, limited funding for collaborative work, and slow-moving academic systems—can impede progress.

For many researchers, overcoming these obstacles involves rethinking traditional research models, forging partnerships across sectors, and advocating for systems that support transdisciplinary approaches.

While the journey is complex, there is great potential for meaningful impact—particularly in reducing global inequalities and supporting the most vulnerable. Achieving sustainable futures demands research that is not only rigorous but also responsive, inclusive, and capable of driving real-world change.