Advancing integrated research at the University of the Witwatersrand: an investigation using integral theory

Abstract

The challenges facing humanity are presenting at an unprecedented scale and complexity. Climate change, biodiversity loss, land degradation, ocean depletion, poverty, inequality, and failing health care and educational systems are among the problems that have come to be defined as "wicked" because of their spread and interconnectedness. At the same time, there has been an increasing realisation that multi-, inter- and transdisciplinary (MIT) research is critical to addressing these complex global challenges. This research identified some of the barriers and enablers to MIT research at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), based on interviews with researchers and research managers at the University who have been involved in conducting or facilitating MIT research. [Abbreviated Abstract. Open document to view full version]