On June 12, the Resilient Delta Initiative launched the first GLUON booklet, introducing the gluon researcher: a dedicated integration expert who leads the co-creation process in inter- and transdisciplinary (ITD) collaborations.

The booklet explores the origins and development of this new role. Rather than treating integration as a shared add-on task, RDi took a different approach: assigning the responsibility for conscious knowledge integration to a single scientist within the collective. This strategy has proven valuable in navigating complex research environments.

What Gluon researchers do

Gluon researchers focus on three core tasks:

1. Designing and implementing integrative procedures
2. Authoring integrated products
3. Studying the integration process itself

Their role is to bridge gaps between different types of knowledge and accelerate collective learning around complex societal challenges in the delta.

 Highlights from the launch

Since its introduction in 2021, the gluon role has evolved through hands-on experience. During the launch event at Fruitvis, several speakers shared key insights:

*Nikki Brand (Lead Methodology) outlined how the role has developed, especially the shift between doingintegration and studying it

*Gluon PhD Johnathan Subendran and researchers Chuma Mbambo and Anne Bruggen shared reflections from their fieldwork

*Stein Wetzer, who recently joined the team, compared the gluon role to her experience in service design

*Arjen van Timmeren, Zac Taylor, and Rosa van den Berg reflected on how working with gluons changed their approach to integration

To conclude the event, the first copy of the GLUON booklet was handed to Antoinette Oudshoorn, representing the Convergence Alliance.

What’s next?

The GLUON booklet aims to support and inspire future ITD collaborations. It also calls on other integration experts — named or unnamed — to share their methods, tools, and stories.

The free PDF is now available for download.

Two follow-up booklets are planned for 2026:

• Navigating the Collective, based on gluon experiences across different consortia
• Gluon and Friends, a comparative look at other integration roles in the field