How can climate research reach stakeholders? The project CimXchange as part of the consortium ClimXtreme addresses this question. Our new DRU working paper focuses on transdisciplinary interaction between climate scientists and practice stakeholders:

Zimmermann, Theresa; Fischer-Frenzel, Paulina; Merkes, Sara Talitha and Voss, Martin (2025): Climate Research and Practice in Dialogue. Potentials and Pitfalls of Transdisciplinary Interaction be-tween Climate Scientists and Practice Stakeholders to Reduce the Risks of Extreme Events. KFS Working Paper No. 34. Berlin: KFS. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.17169/refubium-49232

 

Abstract:

This working paper synthesizes state-of-the-art approaches to science-stakeholder interaction on climate change with a focus on extreme events and uncertainty. It combines a literature review with multiple workshops and surveys conducted within the ClimXchange subproject (ClimXtreme research network), thereby capturing perspectives of both researchers and practitioners in Germany. Drawing on qualitative insights, it analyzes how scientists and practitioners engage in dialogues, the barriers hindering cooperation, and the benefits which arise from participatory approaches. Findings map interaction along three intensities – ranging from one-way communication to knowledge exchange and forms of co-creation – thereby clarifying the respective purposes, needs as well as examples. By analyzing the needs expressed by both scientists and practitioners, the paper emphasizes the importance of transdisciplinary research designs that foster trust, transparency, and long-term commitment. Furthermore, the results contribute to current debates on how to design effective interfaces between research and practice to address the complex challenges posed by climate change and increase capacities in extreme-event risk management.