‘Spontaneous’ transdisciplinarity: Reflections on the Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study experience

Abstract

Background: Interdisciplinarity is a common feature of many research institutions, especially so-called institutes for advanced study. The epistemological reasons for combining insights from various bodies of knowledge differ considerably from situation to situation and depend largely on the purpose of the specific project.
Objectives: The article reflects on the experience of disciplinary collaboration at the Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study (STIAS). Because STIAS supports research in all scientific disciplines, it offers an interesting case study of how the collaboration among natural, life and social sciences unfolded over a period of 25 years.
Methods: Being primarily an account of institutional history, the article uses methods of historical research, namely the investigation of historical documents related to the establishment of STIAS; the description of the goals, structure and research approach of the Institute; the analysis of research projects and of exit reports of research fellows at the Institute; and the critical assessment of the kind of disciplinary collaboration that emerged. The conclusion enumerates the ethical values underpinning this kind of research.
Results: The approach of STIAS to cater for all disciplines resulted in a distinctive form of ‘spontaneous’ trandisciplinarity which is eminently suitable for innovative and ground-breaking research, and which is grounded in a specific set of ethical values.
Conclusion: This kind of transdisciplinarity will become more important due to the growing complexity of the challenges facing science and society, requiring the contribution of a wide spectrum of disciplines and perspectives.
Contribution: The introduction of a novel and productive form of transdisciplinarity.