Reimagining ethics, learning and transdisciplinary evaluation

Transdisciplinary and engaged research has emerged to address urgent sustainability challenges such as biodiversity loss, climate change, food and water insecurity and inequitable development. However, the processes and metrics through which universities and funders determine the ethical soundness and impact of transdisciplinary and engaged research often hinder collaborative practices between researchers and diverse communities by imposing rigid ethical and evaluative standards.

This project seeks to transform institutional approaches to research ethics and evaluation in transdisciplinary, community-engaged sustainability research. Grounded in partnerships across Canada, Mexico and South Africa, Reimagining ethics, learning and transdisciplinary evaluation (RELATE) conceptualizes ethics and evaluation as interconnected processes shaping the entire research life cycle, from agenda-setting and co-design to knowledge co-production, dissemination and evaluation.

It aims to catalyze institutional change by identifying barriers, showcasing culturally relevant alternatives and co-developing approaches that foster plurality, reciprocity, accountability and inclusivity. The project will produce accessible, multilingual outputs, including an open repository of case studies, visual stories, practical guides, learning materials, policy briefs and peer-reviewed publications. Expected outcomes include enhanced capacity for ethical co-design and participatory evaluation, improved institutional literacy in relational ethics and greater representation of Indigenous and local voices in research governance. By integrating ethics and evaluation throughout the research process, RELATE will promote equitable, impactful partnerships that advance global sustainability goals.