Framework for participative reflection on the accomplishment of transdisciplinary research programs

In response to the increasingly complex social–ecological issues facing society, there is a growing trend to conduct environmental research in large collaborative programs. This approach is described as transdisciplinary research as it transcends formal disciplinary boundaries, explicitly acknowledges that many different perspectives are relevant to the resolution of complex problems, and actively involves the users of research. This poses challenges for the evaluation of “impact” as any evaluation process must take into consideration the different expectations, values, culture, language and reward structures of the main participating groups, the funders, researchers and end users. How can these participating groups learn about the progress of a transdisciplinary research program in a way that is purposeful and structured, continues through the life of the program, and includes explicit feedback mechanisms that facilitate adaptation during the course of the program? This paper presents a framework for co-reflecting on the accomplishment of transdisciplinary research programs. The framework incorporates the perspectives of funders, researchers and users, and recognizes that while they place different emphasis on measures of achievement such as efficiency, rigor and relevance, ultimate accomplishment in terms of translating knowledge into practice requires that the needs and expectations of all three groups are adequately addressed. What emerges from the framework is the importance of early investment in processes, behaviors and relationships that foster social learning and the co-production of the knowledge and understanding that are required to ensure relevance; while maintaining emphasis in the traditional areas of formally testing evidence and mentoring young researchers to ensure rigor and build confidence and capacity in transdisciplinary approaches.     

Spatial and seasonal variation in pteropods (Mollusca) of Indo-Malayan waters related to watermass distribution

Distribution and size variation of thecosomatous pteropods from the eastern Banda and western Arafura Sea (Indonesia) were studied during the southeast and northwest monsoon seasons in 1984 and 1985, respectively. During the SE monsoon the pteropod community presents evidence of a zoogeographic boundary located roughly along the Banda Arc, separating a Java and Banda Sea fauna in the west from a mixed imported Pacific and local upwelling fauna in the east. During the NW monsoon the boundary was not present and the Java and Banda Sea fauna, with Indian Ocean influences, was found thoughout the area. The observed patterns match the seasonal movements of watermasses in the area, and it is concluded that taxonomic composition and morphological data of the pteropod fauna are finetuned tracers of hydrography.