What is PhD in transdisciplinarity?

In simple terms, transdisciplinary (TD) research is primarily a process, not a product. It typically involves:

• Mixing academic knowledges from multiple disciplines 
• Mixing applied knowledges through collaboration with industry 
• Co-design with stakeholders through a human-centred approach 

The production of new (TD) knowledge usually requires close collaboration with one or more industry partners, who may even co-design the study, alongside other design contributions by other academics. Through this collaboration, the new knowledge is co-produced. Projects will go through phases or moments of being more or less TD. 

Now, let’s tackle ‘What is a PhD?’ 

A PhD is a form of Higher Degree Research (HDR) that involves contributing new knowledge to the literature, such that other researchers can evaluate what you have done, how you have done it, and how they can build on it. In terms of the TD literature, this may be advancing research on TD methods or applying existing TD research methods to contribute to disciplinary or phenomenon-based knowledge. Due to the in-built engagement with industry, it is expected that the research will also generate new professional practices or new ways of working for industry partners. 

A PhD (or Masters by Research) thesis is inherently sole-authored, but the process of finishing it is a group effort. Whether the thesis is a single whole document or a compilation of publishable articles, sections of the thesis may be co-authored. Over the course of a PhD, there should also be ample opportunities to co-author contributions in parallel to the thesis. 

HDR students have a panel of supervisors. But, these supervisors are far from the only source of professional development. HDRs may draw on a vast number of contacts over the duration of their PhD, such as other academics, HDR students, staff and people outside academia who are closer to the phenomenon of interest.

Why a PhD? 

People pursue higher qualifications for a variety of reasons. In most cases, the attainment of the PhD itself is not the endgame but a stepping stone in a career path. In the Australian context, A PhD comes with the additional constraint of making a contribution within a comparably limited timeframe. That puts pressure on applicants to be competitive by demonstrating their work already stands up to academic peer-review scrutiny through prior publications. Or they may demonstrate their ability to independently make an intellectual contribution in a competitive space in another form. Having a well-written research proposal is only one indicator of whether an applicant is ‘ready’ to start their PhD. 

When applying for an HDR Degree in TD School, we look for a few things about the project itself: 

• How does the research apply TD research? 
• How does the research advance TD research? 
• How does the topic fit with our research methods and research areas? 

Interested in applying for a research degree with us? 

Read this PhD student testimonial to get a taste of what’s involved in doing a transdisciplinary PhD.