Transdisciplinary Networks Reduce Antimicrobial Resistance in Agrifood Systems

Why It Matters

This research highlights the critical need for integrated approaches to tackle environmental contamination and health risks associated with agricultural practices. By bringing together experts from various fields and industry practitioners, design projects can develop more holistic and effective solutions for resource management and sustainability.

Key Finding

The study found that while there is a strong desire for interdisciplinary collaboration to tackle antimicrobial resistance in food production, there's a need for clearer understanding and integration of different scientific disciplines and practical stakeholders.

Key Findings

• Respondents expressed interest in using systems-approaches for data synthesis and incorporating social sciences into network activities.
• There was a general lack of disciplinary understanding within social sciences and mathematics/statistics, suggesting a need for awareness training.
• Strong interest exists in collaborating with food system practitioners (farmers, vets) and human health professionals, emphasizing a farm-to-fork perspective.

Research Evidence

Aim: To explore the potential of a transdisciplinary network to enhance capacity, capability, and collaboration for addressing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in agrifood systems.

Method: Mixed methods research, including an online survey and subsequent analysis.

Procedure: An online survey was distributed to gather input on the prospective focus, structure, and priorities of a transdisciplinary network. Responses were analyzed using mixed methods to identify key themes and areas of interest.

Context: Agrifood systems, focusing on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and environmental contamination.

Design Principle

Integrate diverse expertise and stakeholder perspectives to develop holistic solutions for complex resource management challenges.

How to Apply

When initiating a design project related to agricultural sustainability or resource management, consider forming a working group that includes not only engineers and scientists but also social scientists, farmers, veterinarians, and public health experts.

Limitations

The study identifies a generalization of 'social science/scientists' and 'mathematics/statistics' without deep disciplinary understanding, indicating potential for superficial engagement if not addressed.

Student Guide (IB Design Technology)

Simple Explanation: To solve big problems like pollution from farming, it's best to get lots of different experts and people who work in farming together to share ideas and work as a team.

Why This Matters: Understanding how different fields and people can work together is key to creating designs that are not only functional but also sustainable and accepted by the wider community.

Critical Thinking: How can a design project proactively build bridges between disciplines that traditionally operate in silos, and what are the potential challenges in achieving genuine interdisciplinary understanding?

IA-Ready Paragraph: This research underscores the value of transdisciplinary collaboration in addressing complex environmental challenges within agrifood systems. By fostering networks that integrate diverse expertise, such as social sciences and practical farming knowledge, design projects can achieve more comprehensive and effective solutions for resource management and sustainability, moving beyond isolated technical fixes to systemic improvements.

Project Tips

• When researching a problem, think about who else is affected or involved, even if they aren't directly designing the product.
• Consider how your design might interact with social or economic systems, not just the physical environment.

How to Use in IA

• Use this research to justify the inclusion of diverse user groups or expert consultations in your design process.
• Reference this study when discussing the importance of a systems-thinking approach in your design project.

Examiner Tips

• Demonstrate an understanding of the interconnectedness of design solutions with broader social, economic, and environmental systems.
• Show how you have considered and integrated feedback from a range of stakeholders in your design development.

Independent Variable: Formation and structure of transdisciplinary networks.

Dependent Variable: Capacity, capability, and collaboration in addressing AMR; reduction in AMR, antimicrobial usage, and environmental contamination.

Strengths

• Addresses a critical and timely issue (AMR) with significant public health and environmental implications.
• Advocates for a systems-based approach, which is essential for tackling complex problems.

Critical Questions

• What are the most effective mechanisms for fostering genuine collaboration and knowledge exchange between disparate disciplines?
• How can the insights from social sciences be practically integrated into engineering and biological design processes for agrifood systems?

Extended Essay Application

• Investigate the potential for a collaborative design initiative between engineering students and social science students to address a specific environmental issue in a local food system.
• Analyze the barriers and facilitators to interdisciplinary collaboration in a design research context.

Source

Environmental impacts and sustainability of egg production systems · Iowa State University Digital Repository (Iowa State University) · 2010