ABSTRACT
Transdisciplinarity has been described as “research across disciplinary boundaries and in collaboration with stakeholders . . . [that] orients scientific research towards issues of social concern” (Tötzer, Sedlacek, & Knoflacher, 2011, pp. 840-841). A primary driver of transdisciplinary (TD) research is the need for timely and innovative responses to complex real-world issues. Calls for collaborative, impact-oriented science resonate with social work, which has always been concerned with linking its science, service, and social change missions (Kirk & Reid, 2002). As an integrative, boundary-spanning profession (Mor Barak & Brekke, 2014; Oliver, 2013), social work is well
positioned for leadership in TD efforts. An emphasis on cross-disciplinary research therefore has emerged in discussions regarding shaping a science of social work (Brekke, 2012, 2013).
