Course presented by the University of Bern:

Inter- and Transdisciplinary Research Project in Sustainable Development

The module "Inter- and Transdisciplinary Research Project in Sustainable Development (Research Project and accompanying Seminar)" is a two-semester course in which students autonomously conceptualize and implement an applied inter- and transdisciplinary research projects in relevant areas of sustainable development. The module is organized and supervised by the Centre of Development and Environment (CDE), and in collaboration with transdisciplinary practice partners (NGOs, governments, private sector, etc.), Practice partners provide ideas and topics from which interdisciplinary student teams initially choose one to work on over the two semesters in teams of four to six. 
During the introductory phase in the spring semester, the students conceptualize the work plan and gain the necessary expertise in the selection and application of methods, project management skills, and in collaboration in an interdisciplinary team, as well as in the evaluation and public outreach of projects. Throughout the course, they are mentored by a team of university teachers and representatives from the practice partners. Applying their disciplinary and interdisciplinary skills, students carry out the bulk of their research projects over the summer break and present and critically reflect on their work in the autumn term. In this innovative format, they learn how to collaborate with students from other disciplines and stakeholders from both science and practice. From Autumn 2024 on the module will be transformed, re-designed and integrated into the new Master’s Program in Sustainability Transformations.
The Centre for Development and Environment (CDE) at the University of Bern is an interdisciplinary research Centre specialized on sustainable development. It conducts interdisciplinary research, provides education, and engages in policy dialogue on global development and environmental challenges. CDE aims to generate knowledge and solutions for sustainable development, particularly in the areas of natural resource management, climate change, land use, and social equity. It collaborates with partners worldwide to promote sustainable practices and inform policy-making. 

Contact: Dr. Alexandra Vlachos, alexandra.vlachos@unibe.ch