IDTDS @ SLASS
120/10, Vidya Mawatha,Colombo 00700,Sri Lanka idtds@slaas.lk +94 112 688740

Engage & Communicate

Effective Collaboration Across Disciplines and Sectors

Strategies to engage and communicate with collaborators in interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research.

1. Understanding Engagement

Effective collaboration requires understanding the nature of interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary engagement:

Type Who is involved Communication Focus
Interdisciplinary Academics from different disciplines Integrating concepts, methods, and theories
Transdisciplinary Academics + non-academic actors (policymakers, communities, NGOs) Co-producing knowledge and solutions

Takeaway: The broader the collaboration, the more varied the communication styles, priorities, and vocabularies.

2. Create a Shared Language

Different disciplines often use the same terms differently. To align communication:

  • Host jargon-busting workshops to clarify discipline-specific terms.
  • Co-develop a shared glossary or wiki to document key concepts.
  • Encourage clarification questions without stigma.

3. Psychological Safety & Trust

  • Promote active listening and non-judgmental dialogue.
  • Acknowledge blind spots and be open to critique.
  • Include team-building activities early in the project.

4. Adapt Communication Styles

Academic collaborators: structured formats, theoretical clarity, methodological explanations.

Non-academic collaborators: plain language, practical relevance, storytelling, visuals.

5. Inclusive Communication Channels

  • Use multiple formats: meetings, emails, collaborative docs, infographics, short videos.
  • Hold regular check-ins with open agendas.
  • Use online tools like Miro, Slack, Notion, Google Drive, or Teams.

6. Power Dynamics & Norms

  • Ensure equal speaking time and rotate facilitation roles.
  • Set clear decision-making rules (consensus, voting).
  • Respect different time constraints and professional norms.

7. Shared Goals & Expectations

  • Co-design workshops to set objectives and success criteria.
  • Create MoU or collaboration charter outlining roles, communication, and conflict resolution.

8. Participatory & Reflexive Methods

  • World Café or Open Space Technology for discussions.
  • Reflective journals or learning logs.
  • Stakeholder mapping and interest alignment exercises.

9. Translate Knowledge Across Boundaries

  • Use knowledge brokers to translate between disciplines and sectors.
  • Tailor outputs for audiences: academic papers, policy briefs, community visuals.

10. Relationship Management

  • Include informal interactions (coffee chats, site visits).
  • Schedule reflection sessions to assess communication effectiveness.
  • Be patient – mutual understanding takes time.

Summary Table: Key Practices

Practice Interdisciplinary Focus Transdisciplinary Focus
Shared Language Cross-disciplinary terminology Plain language, culturally appropriate terms
Trust Building Respect academic diversity Respect community and sectoral knowledge
Communication Tools Collaborative documents, academic meetings Workshops, storytelling, participatory tools
Engagement Format Joint publications, team meetings Co-design sessions, field visits, policy dialogues
Outputs Articles, models, frameworks Tools, policy briefs, guidelines, prototypes

Final Tips for Effective Collaboration

• Be curious, not defensive • Balance structure and flexibility • Celebrate diversity as a strength • Always ask: Who is missing? Inclusion matters

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120/10, Vidya Mawatha,Colombo 00700,Sri Lanka

+94 112 688740

idtds@slaas.lk

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