Keynote Address, Dr. Kathleen Galvin

Global Environmental Change: Research and Engagement for Resilience

Addressing complex global change problems requires research to focus more directly on producing knowledge required to understand and diagnose the challenges that confront societies as a result of global change. Disciplines are good at providing essential knowledge, methods and tools. On the other hand, disciplinary approaches tend not to have the capability to handle complex challenges. A transdisciplinary approach to research-for-action is needed to support adaptation and transformation for resilience. Transdisciplinary frameworks agree that this type of research is problem-focused rather than discipline-focused, has an evolving methodology and collaboration and involves non-academic actors. This knowledge production process invests in team building, is human centered and fosters capabilities. There are opportunities to foster this type of research.