University initiatives for inter- and transdisciplinary higher education from around the world

Inter- and transdisciplinary higher education are complex endeavors involving adaptations of educational approaches and attitudes of educators and students and institutional conditions that are sufficiently open and dynamic to enable collaboration across boundaries in order to adapt to rapid socio-technical, socio-ecological, economic and cultural change. Increasing calls for inter- and transdisciplinary teaching and learning are facing highly fragmented disciplinarily structured organizations which are defended for epistemic, economical, psychological and cultural reasons. This chapter digs into this paradox by providing insights into university initiatives that promote, support, and strengthen inter- and transdisciplinary research and higher education. We present different organizational models, strategies and activities with a focus on teaching and learning. Based on interviews with scholars, educators and administrators from Latin America, North America, Europe and the Caucasus region we elaborate on challenges and hurdles in establishing institutional environments for inter- and transdisciplinary teaching and learning and share insights into successful models and practices.