Transdisciplinarity moves beyond traditional academic disciplines to address complex societal challenges that resist established solutions—often termed "wicked problems" like climate change, biodiversity loss, and health crises. It advocates for a shift toward transdisciplinary research, which integrates diverse knowledge systems, including scientific and Indigenous ways of knowing, while collaborating with communities and policymakers to develop real-world solutions.
Indigenous Knowledge (IK) is essential to developing these solutions and addressing sustainability challenges. Yet, despite growing recognition of IK's value, significant barriers remain in bringing Indigenous knowledge into dialogue with academic research and policy-making. Institutional structures, funding mechanisms, and evaluation criteria often prioritize conventional disciplinary science over other ways of knowing.
This session will bring together Indigenous knowledge holders and researchers to examine these systemic barriers. The discussion will inform preparations for the International Polar Year (IPY) 2032-33, focusing on how UArctic and its member institutions can contribute to creating equitable spaces for Indigenous Knowledge to shape polar research agendas and inform responses to Arctic and global challenges.