Transmission of Transdisciplinary Knowledge within Large Scientific Infrastructures: Anthropological Perspective.

Abstract (English)

Large Scientific Infrastructures (LSIs) play a pivotal role in advancing scientific research and technological development, integrating diverse disciplines such as physics, materials science, engineering, medicine, and environmental sciences (Cramer and Hallonsten 2020). However, the increasing complexity of LSI objectives requires not only interdisciplinary collaboration but also transdisciplinary approaches that transcend traditional disciplinary boundaries. These approaches are essential for aligning scientific discoveries with societal needs and technological innovations, promoting equality, economic and social prosperity, sustainability and peace (Liyanage, Nordberg, and Streit-Bianchi 2024). Importantly, a transdisciplinary approach goes beyond the mere integration of academic disciplines for research and technological development; it also encompasses a deep understanding of social challenges and the ability to communicate effectively with industry representatives, policymakers, and other stakeholders.

This panel examines the frameworks, strategies, and institutional practices necessary to cultivate transdisciplinary knowledge within LSIs, drawing on the anthropology of education and anthropology of sustainability (Brightman and Lewis 2017). We aim to explore how education programs, mentorship initiatives, and organizational structures can facilitate collaboration across multiple scientific domains. We also consider how anthropological perspectives on learning, knowledge transmission, and cultural dynamics can inform the development of effective educational models and structures within LSIs.

Further, central to the success and long-term sustainability of LSIs is the preservation and transfer of specialized knowledge and expertise across generations. As LSIs evolve, they must ensure robust mechanisms for intergenerational knowledge transmission to maintain critical expertise and prevent knowledge loss. From an anthropological perspective, this also involves understanding the social processes and power dynamics that shape knowledge sharing and transmission. The panel will examine the current mechanisms for knowledge transmission within LSIs, evaluating their effectiveness and identifying opportunities for improvement.