COURSE: Advances in Transdisciplinary Research on Global Environmental Change in Latin America and the Caribbean

Since 2025, the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI) has offered a free, virtual, certificate-based course entitled "Advances in Transdisciplinary Research on Global Environmental Change in Latin America and the Caribbean." This asynchronous, self-paced course was developed in collaboration with the University of California, Long Beach, and the University of Calgary, is based on experiences in transdisciplinary knowledge production to address global environmental change in Latin America and the Caribbean. This curriculum was developed by Lily House Peters (California State University, Long Beach, USA) and Gabriela Alonso Yañez (Werklund School of Education, University of Calgary, Canada), along with Marshalee Valentine (International Women's Coffee Alliance, Jamaica), Jorge Rubiano Páez (Semillas de Agua, Colombia) and Héctor Turra Chico (Universidad Católica de Temuco, Chile).

This work reflects a commitment to evidence-based practice, inclusivity, and learner-centered design. This material is the intellectual property of the authors and the IAI and may not be reproduced or distributed without proper attribution.

The course includes a case study book featuring examples of transdisciplinary projects implemented in Peru, Brazil, Bolivia, Panama, Jamaica, Mexico, Uruguay, and Colombia. The case studies are intertwined with four modules that present key concepts and tools for transdisciplinary practice: 1) Fundamental concepts of TD Research; 2) Lessons from Latin America and the Caribbean; 3) Capacity building for successful transdisciplinary research collaborations; 4) Project design and management for equitable and ethical TD practice. This training package is aimed at early- and mid-career researchers, as well as other professionals working in governments, academic institutions, and the private sector, interested in applying a transdisciplinary approach to Global Environmental Change research at the science-policy interface to promote innovative solutions to complex environmental problems.

Access the course through the IAI Virtual Campus: Advances in Transdisciplinary Research on Global Environmental Change in Latin America and the Caribbean