Reflections from the TERRA School: Bridging Disciplines and Sectors for a Sustainable Future
Attending the 2024 Transdisciplinarity for Early Career Researchers in Asia (TERRA) School was a transformative experience, providing invaluable insights into the critical role of transdisciplinary research in addressing complex societal challenges. Taiwan’s commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 is supported by a comprehensive roadmap that outlines the necessary actions to meet this ambitious goal. This agenda aligns closely with the principles emphasized at the TERRA School, where theoretical frameworks were effectively integrated with practical applications of transdisciplinary research. Our collaboration with Japan through the Belmont Forum further highlights the importance of cross-regional and interdisciplinary partnerships in addressing sustainability challenges across the Asia-Pacific region.

The TERRA School curriculum emphasized systems thinking, problem diagnosis, and co-creation techniques, moving beyond mere knowledge aggregation to fostering genuine collaboration among diverse stakeholders. By bridging varied knowledge traditions, transdisciplinary research paves the way for innovative and practical solutions to real-world issues. During the program, I had the privilege of working alongside 19 researchers from diverse disciplines and cultural backgrounds. Through dynamic group discussions, case studies, and presentations, I gained fresh perspectives and enhanced my ability to collaborate effectively across disciplines. These experiences underscored the importance of open-minded communication, mutual understanding, and consensus building key components of successful transdisciplinary research.
My participation in the TERRA School was a transformative experience that profoundly deepened my understanding of how research can be strategically aligned with Asia-region priorities while addressing global challenges through locally impactful solutions. By engaging with diverse perspectives and interdisciplinary approaches, I gained invaluable insights into bridging the gap between academic research and practical applications. These learnings will enable me to contribute to sustainability solutions that are not only innovative but also pragmatic and contextually relevant. I am deeply grateful to Future Earth and Research Institute for Humanity and Nature for providing this exceptional opportunity. The TERRA School exemplifies the power of collaboration and the convergence of diverse expertise in tackling the pressing sustainability challenges of our time. It highlights the critical need for fostering connections across disciplines, cultures, and sectors to drive meaningful and actionable change in sustainability science.
AUTHOR PROFILE
Han-Yu Chiu PhD
Dr. Han-Yu Chiu serves as a Science Officer at the Belmont Forum Program Office (BFPO), part of the Center for Sustainability Science at Academia Sinica. In this capacity, Dr. Chiu plays a pivotal role in driving initiatives that advance research on environmental change and promote sustainable solutions. His responsibilities include developing and coordinating projects in partnership with international science funding organizations and regional consortia. With a strong emphasis on fostering interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary approaches, Dr. Chiu is dedicated to addressing critical global challenges through collaborative and innovative research efforts.

Transdisciplinarity for Early CareeR Researchers in Asia+ School 2024 was organized by the Research Institute for Humanity and Nature (RIHN) in collaboration with Future Earth Japan Global Hub and the Uehiro Research Center for Japan Environmental Studies.
You can find out more about the TERRA School here, and about the 2024 course here.
DATE
January 16, 2025AUTHOR
Han-Yu Chiu PhDSHARE WITH YOUR NETWORK
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