TD Lecture 3: Transformational Sustainability Research — Principles and Methods

Since its inception in the early 2000s, sustainability science has promised to offer a new research concept – research that helps solving real-world sustainability problems. However, this type of research struggles with combining rigor and relevance. On the one hand, it is challenged by not being ambitious enough: here, sustainability research remains in the realm of descriptive-analytical research, mainly focusing on understanding human-nature systems and problems. On the other hand, it is challenged by being too ambitious: here, sustainability research transcends its legitimacy by wanting to solve problems directly. We propose a third way for sustainability research - creating actionable knowledge by testing solutions for sustainability problems. We outline the importance of transdisciplinary collaboration in conducting this type of research and discuss a number of opportunities and challenges. Speakers. Arnim Wiek and Katja Brundiers This lecture took place on the 5th of May 2025, was organized by the WSL and moderated by Silvia Tobias.