Research Institute for
Sustainability | at GFZ

Advancing Transdisciplinarity and Co-Creation

Dr. Thomas Bruhn

Research Group Leader
Theme Speaker

Dr. Manuel Rivera

Research Group Leader
Theme Speaker
Illustration: verschiedene Elemente zum Themenfeld Weiterentwicklung von Transdisziplinarität und Ko-Kreation wie Personen im Gespräch; Haus, Bäume

Bringing together different perspectives and forms of knowledge is crucial to advancing the transformation towards sustainability. Socially robust knowledge about and for this transformation can be generated in culturally-aware spaces for reflection and dialogue and through trusting and transdisciplinary partnerships. Researchers working on this theme evaluate and develop transdisciplinary and co-creative research methods and support their use in different areas of research practice. Three aspects take centre-stage here: Firstly, the development of spaces for collaboration and reflection within co-creative research and dialogue processes, including at conferences (e.g., the UNFCCC Climate Change Conference), in joint projects with partners (e.g., EU Horizon projects) and in participation processes (e.g., citizens' assemblies and participatory urban development initiatives). Research teams analyse the methods used in these spaces and and assess their impacts, contributing to debates and processes in the public, policy, and academic spheres. Findings from this research support the development and improvement of transdisciplinary approaches and methods, enhancing their utility for relevant stakeholders. Research conducted under this theme also explores how different forms of knowledge can be combined to improve both the quality of research outcomes and innovative practices and support the development of solutions to complex problems. Advances in this area will help to convince key players in science and practice that the benefits of transdisciplinary cooperation make the increased commitment of time and resources worthwhile. The evaluation of transdisciplinary research is the third aspect addressed under this theme. Research teams draw lessons from processes that include transdisciplinary methods and also measure the efficacy of science-informed methods of advising policymakers and other stakeholders. This research covers a broad range of indicators, including the quality and outcomes of transdisciplinary processes as well as their medium and longer-term transformative effects, and secondary and emergent effects generated through relationships and networks.

Research Groups

In the transition to sustainability, attitudes and mental models are crucial.

Transformative Spaces and Mindsets

Co-creative processes bring together different ideas and actors to deliver mutually valued outcomes.

Co-Creation in Democratic Practice

New types of spaces for activities and encounters, such as the Floating in Berlin, combine art with sustainability.

Arts and Culture for Sustainable Development

The Arctic is particularly hard hit by the effects of climate change.

reIMAGINE Arctic Research: Relations, Ethics, and Methods

The BIRGEJUPMI project aims to strengthen community engagement, Indigenous knowledge, and environmental decision-making in Arctic coastal regions in Sápmi and Kalaallit Nunaat.

19.03.2026

Fieldwork in Unjárga: How young people imagine a sustainable Arctic future

In February 2026, the research group “reIMAGINE Arctic Research” organized and hosted a workshop in Várjjat/Varangerbotn (in the municipality of Unjárga/Nesseby), Norway, in cooperation with the Saami Council. The workshop was conducted as part of the EU-funded BIRGEJUPMI project and explored young people’s visions of their future in Finnmark, the Norwegian county set on the land of Sápmi, the homeland of the indigenous Sámi people.