Inter- and transdisciplinary sustainability research is seen as very important in view of the wicked challenges such as climate change, loss of biodiversity as well as the pursuit of a socially just future development. Despite the growing importance and prevalence of relevant research in the higher education landscape, researchers still find it difficult to disseminate “unconventional” approaches in a publication landscape that has historically grown along disciplinary lines. This is a particular problem for young researchers.
For nearly 30 years, the journal GAiA has aimed to promote scholarship on socioecological wicked problems that breaks new ground and takes an inter- and transdisciplinary approach. For the past 7 years, it has presented the Master Student Paper Award, which is aimed at young researchers and recognizes exemplary innovative work.
In the editorial of the current issue of GAiA (1/2021), we, as the current jury, review the past seven years and look at the many exciting perspectives that have received greater attention as a result of the award. I have been a member of the jury for a number of years and always return from the jury work inspired and with great admiration for how courageously many contributors explore creative new ways of addressing the pressing issues of our time.
More about the Master Student Paper Award and the application criteria can be found here. Please help spread the word. We are looking forward to new impulses in this year’s award round!
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