At the beginning of October, I had the privilege of participating in a truly enlightening event—the Trinational Summer School “Experimenting with Transdisciplinary Research – Using the example of Climate Adaptation of cities,” organized by Eucor – The European Campus. This fantastic educational program was specifically designed to empower 20 bright minds, including myself, with the tools and knowledge essential for engaging in transdisciplinary research. Our mission: to tackle the pressing issue of climate adaptation in cities. Here’s a glimpse of my unforgettable experience and the valuable insights I gained.
The Summer School Experience
For five amazing days, we embarked on a journey of discovery, exploring innovative formats and methods of transdisciplinary research. Our learning adventure was punctuated by engaging discussions, hands-on experiences, and a deep dive into the intricate world of sustainable development. The backdrop for our exploration was the German-French-Swiss Upper Rhine region, a place particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, such as heat stress and prolonged heatwaves.

One of the most rewarding aspects of this summer school was the opportunity to collaborate with a diverse group of fellow students. Our backgrounds were as varied as our perspectives, and we quickly bonded and became friends. This diverse yet cohesive group of individuals significantly contributed to the overall success of the summer school. Building this network of like-minded peers has been invaluable.
A pivotal feature of our summer school journey was the chance to put our knowledge to the test through group work. Guided by the municipality of Emmendingen, we were tasked with addressing real-world climate adaptation challenges. These challenges served as the foundation for our collaborative efforts within distinct working groups, each comprising five participants. The ultimate goal was to collectively design transdisciplinary processes to confront these pressing issues.
Expanding Horizons
My participation in this summer school has been a transformative experience with a profound impact on my ongoing thesis work. It aligned perfectly with the climate change adaptation aspect of my research. The program emphasized the critical importance of sustainable development, highlighting that the progress of our society relies not only on scientific solutions but also on the development of innovative technologies and an understanding of their societal implications.

The skills, methodologies, and perspectives I gained during this summer school have been invaluable. I now possess the ability to engage in transdisciplinary research, foster collaboration, and consider societal contexts. These newfound insights and tools have enriched my research, enabling me to explore innovative solutions in my field. The summer school has not only broadened my horizons but has also equipped me with a more holistic and impactful approach to my thesis work.
Stay tuned for the upcoming posts that delve deeper into my experiences: one featuring an official report I’ve prepared and the other showcasing an official video clip created by the organization, where I’ll speak about my transformative journey. This is just the beginning of an exciting adventure, and I’m thrilled to share it with you.
OpenEdition suggests that you cite this post as follows:
Isadora Campos Torres (October 9, 2023). Summer School Adventures: Exploring Transdisciplinary Research for Climate Adaptation. The Curiosity Cabinet. Retrieved February 10, 2025 from https://doi.org/10.58079/mb59