IMT-PhD: Theory, Method, and Publication: Multi-, Inter-, and Transdisciplinary Research
Doctoral School of People and Technology at Roskilde University
Course content
This intensive 3-day course provides PhD students with practical clarity on conducting and publishing multi-, inter-, and transdisciplinary research. The course is grounded in the premise that complex challenges (particularly in sustainability transitions) require approaches that reach beyond single disciplines to achieve meaningful impact. Moving beyond theoretical debates, participants gain concrete tools to distinguish between these approaches, select appropriate methods for their research questions, and navigate the publication landscape for boundary-crossing work.
The course combines critical examination of interdisciplinary approaches with hands-on workshops, case studies, and guidance on publishing strategies. Participants develop skills in designing, writing, and publishing research that spans disciplinary boundaries while understanding its limitations and appropriate applications.
Day 1: Foundations and Critical Perspectives: Opens with a plenary session featuring critical examination of the evolution from holistic to disciplinary knowledge and when interdisciplinary approaches succeed or fail. Afternoon sessions develop operational clarity on multi-, inter-, and transdisciplinary distinctions.
Day 2: Methods, Writing, and Publishing: Practical methods workshops for matching research questions to appropriate approaches, combined with perspectives from journal editors and experienced researchers on publishing realities. Participants draft abstracts and develop publication strategies.
Day 3: Strategic Application and Future Pathways: Building long-term strategies for interdisciplinary careers, including presenting work to diverse audiences, navigating institutional constraints, and developing realistic action plans.
Features include problem-focused learning, peer collaboration, and practical outputs directly applicable to participants' own research.
Participants provide: (1) a short description of their PhD project, (2) an outline of a planned multi-, inter-, or transdisciplinary paper, and (3) active participation in discussions and peer exercises.