Ethics-Impact Community of Practice

Navigating Ethics and Impact in Sustainability Transformations:
An Emerging Community of Practice for Collective Learning and Reflection

Join the Ethics-Impact Community of Practice: A Collaborative Space
for Ethical and Transformative Sustainability Research

The Ethics-Impact Community of Practice (CoP) is an open and inclusive space for researchers, practitioners, and change-makers within the Transformations Community who are committed to exploring the intersection of ethics and impact in sustainability transformations.

Co-conveners: Ying-Syuan (Elaine) Huang, Bruce Goldstein, Blane Harvey, Julia Wittmayer

Is impactful practice in sustainability transformations inherently ethical? Can ethical practice also be impactful in driving transformative change? How do we navigate ethical dilemmas when managing socio-ecological trade-offs? And how can we create positive societal impacts while upholding ethical ideals? Our Community of Practice explores these critical questions by engaging with diverse epistemic agents through four thematic focuses:

Temperance

We are committed to ethically bridging diverse knowledge systems and methodologies in transdisciplinary research. This includes addressing epistemic injustice and dismantling systemic barriers to equitable North-South partnerships.

Transdisciplinarity

We recognise the power of site-specific solutions and local wisdom in shaping broader sustainability transformations. By mobilising, connecting, and scaling these insights, we aim to drive systemic change and impact at multiple levels.

Translocalism

We view transdisciplinary research as more than just knowledge production—it is a social learning process that demands individuals to engage in disruptive learning and critical reflection. We therefore challenge dominant notions of scientific excellence by supporting diverse purposes and functions of research that contribute to multiple pathways for transformative change.

Transformative Learning

We prioritise slowing down the ‘knowledge production machine’ to create space for ethical reflection and meaningful engagement. Our focus is on cultivating a community of change-makers who balance diverse priorities while aligning their work with broader social and ecological imperatives to ensure truly transformative outcomes.

Vision and Values

This project aims to create a collaborative space for dialogue, shared practices, and collective problem-solving around equity-aware, justice-oriented transformations towards sustainable futures. Grounded in our core values—Temperance, Transdisciplinarity, Translocalism, and Transformative Learning—it seeks to bridge knowledge practices and inspire action for co-creating a more just and sustainable future. We invite you to join this growing community, whether you are already working on these themes or interested in engaging in dialogue and shared learning.

On the Horizon

Ethics-Impact CoP Virtual Launch

Transformations Community, Blane Harvey, Julia Wittmayer, Ying-Syuan (Elaine) Huang
April/May, 2025; Virtual

Kickstarting the Initiative – An introduction to the Ethics-Impact CoP, featuring a learning session on “Common Ethical Dilemmas and Navigation Strategies.”

Hosting circle at TCX-YORK Conference

Blane Harvey, Ying-Syuan (Elaine) Huang
June, 2025; York, England

Creating space for deep conversations on ethics and impact in transdisciplinary research while inviting new members to engage in the CoP.

Hosting circle at TC/ESG Conference

Transformations Community, Ying-Syuan (Elaine) Huang, Blane Harvey, Julia Wittmayer, August, 2025; Kruger National Park, South Africa

A reflective gathering where participants can explore ethical challenges, share experiences, and deepen their engagement with the CoP.

Ethics-Impact CoP Virtual Meet-up

Transformations Community, Julia Wittmayer, Blane Harvey, Ying-Syuan (Elaine) Huang
October/November, 2025; Virtual

Connecting the Community – A virtual gathering for all CoP members, featuring a learning session on “Reflexivity as Research Ethics in Transdisciplinary Research.”

Three Work Streams

Community-Centric Approach

To develop and support this emerging CoP within TC, dedicated to ethical transdisciplinary and transformative sustainability research. This CoP is designed for practitioners, researchers, and project implementers leading transdisciplinary initiatives.

Research on Research

To examine the normative turn in transdisciplinary research and its implications for individual researchers, university-led initiatives, and the broader research ecosystem. Our work explores how ethical commitments shape research practice and impact.

Capacity Strengthening

To create practical resources, reflexive tools, and structured frameworks to support ethical transdisciplinary research. This includes workshops, toolkits, and methodologies designed to help researchers and practitioners navigate ethical dilemmas and enhance transformative impact.

Get involved

Join us in co-creating a research and practice community
committed to ethical, impactful, and transformative change!