We are pleased to announce a one-and-a-half-day training programme introducing the foundations of transdisciplinary practice (TD practice). Designed for researchers, educators and practitioners working across disciplines or in collaboration with societal partners, the training offers an opportunity to explore key concepts, methods and mindsets that support meaningful cross-boundary work. As an accessible first step into a complex field, the programme brings together short lectures, practical exercises and guided reflection. Sign up below for the training. 

Participants will join a small cohort of peers to consider how transdisciplinary approaches can strengthen research, education and partnership work. The training offers a clear and thoughtful orientation to the principles that underpin effective transdisciplinary engagement.

In addition, this edition of the training serves as a forum for feedback. Participants’ experiences and suggestions will be used to refine both the extended version of the programme and future training formats, ensuring that the development of transdisciplinary capacity reflects real needs and practices.

Why this training?

Colleagues across universities are increasingly working at the intersection of disciplines and societal challenges. This shift calls for approaches that move beyond individual expertise and toward shared problem ownership and collaborative inquiry. Transdisciplinary practice offers a structured way of doing so, combining conceptual grounding with reflective and practice-based methods that help navigate complexity.

This training provides an accessible introduction to these foundations. It is intended for researchers, educators and practitioners who see the value of diverse perspectives, stakeholder engagement and cross-boundary collaboration, and who want to strengthen their ability to work in such environments. Rather than aiming for mastery, the programme establishes a common starting point for those taking steps into planning and conducting transdisciplinary research and learning.

What Participants Can Expect

Participants will be introduced to the basic knowledge, capacities and orientations that support effective transdisciplinary work. The programme draws on examples from ongoing TD research and integrates exercises that encourage hands-on exploration.

Core themes include:

• Mindset and reflective practice
• Epistemic awareness and disciplinary perspectives
• Group dynamics, empathy and collaboration
• Inner Development Goals (IDGs)
• Basic steps for planning transdisciplinary research

The training provides a practical starting point and a shared vocabulary rather than a complete skillset.

Programme Outline

The speakers of the event will be Nikki Brand, Stein Wetzer, Joe Binetti, Froukje Sleeswijk Visser, and Johnathan Subendran.

A detailed programme will be shared here in January.

Please note, attendance is required for both days.

The event will be held in English.

Who Should Join

If you are interested in working across disciplinary or societal boundaries, this training is designed with you in mind. It is open to participants with varying levels of experience; no prior background in transdisciplinarity is required—only curiosity and an open mind.

Practical Details

Dates:

4 February, 09:30–17:00

5 February, 09:30–13:00

Please note, attendance is required for both days.

Location:

Healthy Start Hub (Schieblock Unit 401 Schiekade 189, 3012 BR Rotterdam). The hub is a 5-minute walk from the central train station of Rotterdam. Paid parking is possible in the surrounding neighbourhood opposite of the traintracks or at the parking garage called ‘Hofplein’.

Closing Note

The strength of this training lies in the contributions and perspectives that participants bring. We look forward to welcoming you.

Contact

For questions, please contact Stein Wetzer at wetzer@essb.eur.nl
If you want to cancel your registration, please send an email to healthystart@convergence.nl

Registration

Please find the registration form below. We work on first come; first serve basis. There are 20 spots available, so sign up if you are interested!

The deadline for registration is 26th January 2026, at 6 pm.
Please note, attendance is required for both days.