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Co-creating Sustainability Science Communication Through Aesthetic Formats: This is What a Transdisciplinary Moment Looks Like

Author

Listed:
  • Sabrina Vitting-Seerup

    (Sabrina Vitting-Seerup, Department of Science Education, University of Copenhagen, Denmark. E-mail: svs@ind.ku.dk)

  • Kristine Marie Berg

    (Kristine Marie Berg, Department of Communication, University of Copenhagen, Denmark)

  • Elin Ferm

    (Elin Ferm, Norm Consulting, Copenhagen, Denmark)

  • Laura Thinggaard Hjortkjær

    (Laura Thinggaard Hjortkjær, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Denmark)

  • Brendan Killeen

    (Brendan Killeen, COM–Communications, European Environment Agency, Copenhagen, Denmark)

  • Sarah Kisbye

    (Sarah Kisbye, Danish Society for Nature Conservation, Department of Nature Management, University of Copenhagen, Denmark)

  • Jens Good Kristoffersen

    (Jens Good Kristoffersen, Section of Rhetoric, Department of Communication, University of Copenhagen, Denmark)

  • Cecilie Vad Mathiesen

    (Cecilie Vad Mathiesen, NNF Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, Denmark)

  • Marianne Achiam

    (Marianne Achiam, Department of Science Education, University of Copenhagen, Denmark)

Abstract

Sustainability science calls for new methodologies and collaborations that go beyond disciplinary boundaries. This points to a new role for sustainability science communication. Here, we explore how science communication can employ aesthetic formats (e.g., storytelling, performance, artistic installations) to promote transdisciplinary collaborations. We conducted a series of experiments in a master-level science communication course at the University of Copenhagen, engaging students, practitioners and researchers in experimental collaborations and qualitative data collection. Through thematic analysis of classroom observations and interviews, five elements of transdisciplinarity emerged: Acknowledgement of disciplinary identities, negotiation of diverse vocabularies, disruption of hierarchical structures, experience of novel insights and evident learning processes among participants. These moments challenged direct observation but became discernible through post hoc analysis. We suggest they constitute a sequence that together describes a transdisciplinary moment. We thus conclude that the aesthetic formats we employed were instrumental in disrupting conventional boundaries and enhancing collaboration across disciplines. However, we also acknowledge the complexities of achieving transdisciplinary moments and emphasize the importance of reflective practice.

Suggested Citation

  • Sabrina Vitting-Seerup & Kristine Marie Berg & Elin Ferm & Laura Thinggaard Hjortkjær & Brendan Killeen & Sarah Kisbye & Jens Good Kristoffersen & Cecilie Vad Mathiesen & Marianne Achiam, 2023. "Co-creating Sustainability Science Communication Through Aesthetic Formats: This is What a Transdisciplinary Moment Looks Like," Journal of Education for Sustainable Development, , vol. 17(2), pages 179-199, September.
  • Handle: RePEc:sae:jousus:v:17:y:2023:i:2:p:179-199
    DOI: 10.1177/09734082231222352
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Brandi S. Morris & Polymeros Chrysochou & Jacob Dalgaard Christensen & Jacob L. Orquin & Jorge Barraza & Paul J. Zak & Panagiotis Mitkidis, 2019. "Stories vs. facts: triggering emotion and action-taking on climate change," Climatic Change, Springer, vol. 154(1), pages 19-36, May.
    2. Harald Heinrichs, 2019. "Strengthening Sensory Sustainability Science—Theoretical and Methodological Considerations," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(3), pages 1-16, February.
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