On 12 January 2024, a group of 15 people met to initiate the establishment of a working group on "Formats, methods and context". The kick-off online meeting was used to get to know each other and agree on expectations and goals.
The participants, coming from various disciplines and institutions, would like to discuss the appropriate selection of suitable formats and methods for transdisciplinary and participatory research. The exchange of experiences as well as the reflection and possible further development of our methodological practice will focus on how this can be achieved in an effective and context-sensitive manner. The function of the working group as a sounding board is particularly important for the participants: it should also offer space for an informal exchange and assistance with current problems arising from the practice and research context. For example, questions about the recruitment and long-term participation of young people or people with health restrictions in transdiciplinary projects are of interest. What methods, incentives or framework conditions can be used to ensure inclusive participation over several years? The question of successful knowledge integration and the equal formulation of research questions are also on the agenda of the working group.
The role(s) of scientists and the understanding of transdisciplinary and participatory processes will also need to be considered. When do which formats or the combination and sequence (timing) of different co-creative methodological approaches appear to be useful? How can the quality of the research process as a whole, but also the added value, impact and sustainability in the respective field of practice be "secured"? These are some of the topics mentioned in an initial collection.
Based on this collection, the first draft for a work program was further developed and concretized. The organization of work in 2024 is primarily planned online in three to four meetings. In addition, impulses in terms of content will be provided at the GTPF General Assembly and at the ITD and PartWiss conferences - also in conjunction with the results of the work in the tdAcademy.
Bettina Brohmann, Melanie Mbah and Regina Rhodius will act as interim managers until the next meeting of the working group (in April 2024). In March, the working group will be officially established by the GTPF Board. Two spokespersons will then be officially elected at the next meeting.