Building Capacity in Transdisciplinary Research for Urban Sustainability Transformations
Where?
All seminars will take place in the Green Hub of Ghent University
For whom?
PhD and Postdoc from all faculties from universities all over Flanders (and open to researchers from beyond), conducting research that can be situated in the field of urban sustainability (i.e. focusing on issues related to mobility, energy, housing, care, food and agriculture, water, biodiversity, urban planning etc.). We welcome applications from researchers at any stage of their work, though the programme may be especially beneficial for those with experience in data collection and analysis. We strive to create an interdisciplinary group and, where
appropriate, will consider this in the selection process.
Participation fee
Participation is free of charge to all participants, yet the no show policy applies. The course is funded by the Ghent University doctoral schools.
sprekers
organisatoren
contact
The course is organized by the Stadsacademie and focuses primarily on the methodological dimension of transdisciplinary work: how can transdisciplinary research on urban sustainability actually be conducted? It aims to build a community of researchers through seminars focused on learning, exchange, and capacity building. The course examines the key challenges and dimensions of transdisciplinary research, with a particular focus on methodological approaches, collaborative practices, and forms of cooperation across urban and academic contexts.
OBJECTIVES
Identification and mapping of key challenges, opportunities and dimensions of transdisciplinary research.
Deepening participants’ understanding of how transdisciplinary research on urban sustainability can be conducted in practice.
Critical reflection on how insights and lessons learned can be translated into the participants personal academic environments.
To create a transdisciplinary research community that continuously builds on previous editions of the course.
PROGRAM
Session 1: Monday 12 October 2026, 12.00-16.00
Introduction to the course: governance of transdisciplinary research partnerships
Guest speaker: prof. Tom Dedeurwaerdere
Session 2: Monday 23 November 2026, 12.00-16.00
Place-based approaches in transdisciplinary research
Guest speaker: prof. Roberta Sonnino
Session 3: t.b.d.
Power dynamics in transdisciplinary settings: what tools and methods do we have to establish equitable collaborations?
Guest speaker: prof. Julia Wittmayer
Session 4: Tuesday 20 April 2027, 12.00-16.00
Reflexivity in transdisciplinary research: How and where to cultivate reflexivity in transdisciplinary research processes for urban sustainability transitions?
Guest speakers: dr. Kasper Ampe & prof. Gert Goeminne
More details on the course and program can be found here
TRAINING METHOD
Four sessions with a public lecture and a research seminar
(1) Public lecture by invited speaker
Each session begins with an introduction by one or more researchers and urban partners affiliated with the Stadsacademie whose expertise relates to the focus of the seminar. Their contribution is then brought into dialogue with the lecture of the invited speaker. In this way, the seminars become grounded in the context of our own university and create a conversation between academic reflection and practical experience.
(2) Research seminar
Each seminar is co-prepared by 5–6 registered participants together with the organising committee. Building on the themes and insights introduced during the public lecture, participants present their own research experiences and critically reflect on the opportunities and challenges of transdisciplinary methodologies and practices. The seminars are designed as dialogical spaces that foster critical exchange, mutual learning, and constructive feedback among participants, guest speakers, and members of the organising scientific committee.
Preparation of the sessions
Prior to each session, a preparatory meeting will be convened with the organizing committee and the registered participants scheduled to present at the respective seminar.
Reading material will be circulated to all participants before each seminar (not obligatory)