Our Community of Practice

The TRANSECTS Network

TRANSECTS is an international Community of Practice and an innovative, transdisciplinary research training partnership that reconfigures sustainability science education, prepares graduates to be the next generation of sustainability change makers, and offers unparalleled opportunities for intercultural learning through shared international experiences and comparative analysis across the Global North and South. 

TRANSECTS boasts an exceptional, international team of researchers and partners from Canada, Germany, and South Africa, with representatives from academia, Indigenous and rural communities, UNESCO Biosphere Reserves, governing agencies, international networks, and private and civil society organizations and foundations. 

Learn about the TRANSECTS partnership from our Program Director, Dr. Maureen Reed, and Country Co-Director (Canada), Dr. James Robson.
With country hubs in Canada, Germany, and South Africa, the TRANSECTS team is made up of academics and local and national partners, including practitioners in UNESCO Biosphere Reserves/Regions – an international network of model regions, designated to conserve biocultural diversity, advance sustainable development, and enhance local capacity for sustainability research, learning, and practice. TRANSECTS partner universities include the University of Saskatchewan and Vancouver Island University (Canada), Eberswalde University for Sustainable Development (Germany), Rhodes University, the University of Venda, and the University of the Witwatersrand (South Africa). Additionally, local partners in each country include Biosphere Reserve/Region practitioners and First Nations; while national partners include Indigenous, educational, and professional organizations.  

The START

The Student and Trainee Advisory Round Table (START) is a student- and trainee-led group that advises and supports TRANSECTS on engaging students and trainees in TD learning and TRANSECTS activities. TILL alumni, as well as any student or trainee interested in TD or sustainability, are welcome to serve as advisors on this roundtable.

The roundtable currently consists of 9 advisors, with three advisors representing each hub country (South Africa, Germany, & Canada—but note that the advisors do not need to be of these nationalities; advisors of all nationalities are welcome and encouraged to participate), with efforts taken to ensure diverse and equal representation of all partner countries wherever possible. Advisory roles will also be open to students and trainees from institutions outside these partner countries.

 The START serves as a liaison between students, trainees, and the broader TRANSECTS network to advocate for students and trainees, ensuring their needs are met, concerns are heard, and perspectives are included in TRANSECTS initiatives.

They communicate to TRANSECTS:

  • The needs of TRANSECTS student and trainee members E.g., TILL 2024 Buddy Program! 
  • How to engage students in TRANSECTS activities and TD learning

They support TRANSECTS in organizing events for:

  • Capacity building 
  • Networking E.g., TILL alumni events