Transdisciplinarity, Transforming Networks and Open Science

Transformative thinking, new concepts, theories, and technical terms to contextualise the communication space are developing fast. In this paper I will argue that science communication (SC) researchers need to align with these new and emerging ideas and theories. Facilitated by a Transdisciplinary (TD) approach, it is necessary to migrate to the inclusion of emerging “collective” networks in support of the actor-network theory (ANT), rather than to depend on the individual (specialist) voice of a scientist. Members of these collectives share topics of interest through the Open Science movement, leading to research that is inclusive of communities. Due to the nature of TD research collaboration, issues of trust become more relevant, and by judging the growth of collectives, more spontaneous when effective communication takes place. Two complex aspects act as a main influence for such transformative consideration. The first aspect is the disrupting ecological transformation brought about by a fast-track change in the planetary climate caused by human actions; an event aptly named the Anthropocene (human made). The other aspect is the destabilising socio-political uncertainties humanity is facing in this rapidly transforming and unpredictable future, characterised by ecological disasters, mass migrations and escalating instances of war.