TDR4HAW: Transdisciplinary Research at Universities of Applied Sciences – Status Quo and Potential of a Sleeping Giant

Research at universities of applied sciences (UAS) has grown considerably in recent decades and is closely linked to non-university practice. The practice-orientated research approach of UASs has parallels with transdisciplinary research (TDR), which aims at cooperation between science and non-scientific actors to solve social problems.

However, there are hardly any studies in Germany on TDR at UAS and its categorisation in the research system – research at UAS has also generally received little attention in science and higher education research (WiHo research).

The TDR4HAW project aims to close this research gap empirically and systematically. Using a mixed-methods approach, research activities at UASs are quantitatively recorded and categorised according to their research mode. Stakeholders' needs regarding support structures and professionalisation of TDR at UAS will be identified through case studies, validated by UAS experts and stakeholders and transferred to broader application contexts.

With the perspective on research at UAS, TDR4HAW opens up a target group that has received little attention and, with its special focus on TDR at UAS, a previously unnoticed field of research. The project thus contributes to broadening the perspective of higher education and science research. It also aims to develop concrete concepts for the profiling and further development of research at UAS and its contribution to the science and higher education system.