On November 2, an international scientific-practical workshop entitled “Transdisciplinarity in Practice: Participatory Workshop” was held at the Central Scientific Library of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, organized by the Institute of Geography under the Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

The main objective of the workshop was to strengthen cooperation between different scientific disciplines, discuss opportunities for applying transdisciplinary research approaches, promote the use of scientific knowledge in addressing practical challenges, and expand the exchange of international experience.

Opening the event, Director of the Institute of Geography, Doctor of Geographical Sciences, Associate Professor Zaur Imrani, spoke about the challenges facing modern science and the importance of integrated scientific approaches in addressing them.

Zaur Imrani emphasized the importance of expanding international scientific cooperation, adopting advanced research methodologies, and applying scientific findings in practice. He noted that such international scientific-practical events provide valuable opportunities for the exchange of knowledge and experience among researchers, the establishment of new partnerships, and the development of joint research initiatives.

During the opening ceremony, Doctor of Geographical Sciences, Professor Chingiz Ismayilov, Ia Iashvili, and Markus Fuchs spoke about the growing importance of transdisciplinary approaches in contemporary scientific research, as well as the need to strengthen integration across different scientific disciplines and expand international cooperation. Their presentations highlighted the importance of combining scientific knowledge, innovative methodologies, and practical experience to address global environmental and socio-economic challenges.

As part of the scientific programme, Merab Khokhobaya, Associate Professor at the Faculty of Economics and Business of Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, Georgia, delivered a presentation entitled “Understanding Transdisciplinarity: Principles and Practice”. He provided a detailed overview of the theoretical foundations, methodological characteristics, and areas of application of transdisciplinary approaches in contemporary research. Comparing monodisciplinary, multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary, and transdisciplinary research models, he outlined their respective potential for addressing complex scientific problems.

It was noted that the transdisciplinary approach involves not only cooperation between different scientific disciplines but also the establishment of interaction between the academic community and other stakeholders in society.

The importance of transdisciplinary research in addressing complex challenges such as poverty, environmental degradation, biodiversity conservation, and the efficient use of resources was also highlighted.

During the practical part of the workshop, participants were divided into six teams and engaged in group activities. Based on the assigned tasks, they held joint discussions and exchanged views on reconciling different scientific perspectives and approaches. The group activities aimed to develop participants' skills in collaboration, collective analysis, and addressing challenges through comprehensive approaches.

The workshop, organized in an interactive format, served as an important platform for sharing international scientific experience, gaining a deeper understanding of transdisciplinary research methodologies, and strengthening scientific ties among specialists from different countries.

The event, which aimed to promote the exchange of international experience and the development of scientific cooperation, brought together researchers and specialists from Azerbaijan, Georgia, Germany, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Türkiye.