The Environmental Social Science in Interdisciplinary Working project aims to strengthen interdisciplinary working between environmental and social scientists, equipping both communities with the tools and insights needed to work more effectively together on urgent environmental issues.
The project, which starts in October 2025, will be delivered jointly by ACCESS and the Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES), drawing on their complementary missions and extensive networks.
The project aims to:
1. Develop an understanding of the key enablers and barriers to collaboration across the environmental and social sciences.
2. Co-produce tailored resources to support practical approaches to bridging disciplines.
Project outputs will include:
1. A case study report on successful interdisciplinary working.
2. A series of workshops, which will bring together members of ACCESS and IES to explore the opportunities and challenges of interdisciplinary working.
3. Co-produced resource materials, including a practical framework for collaborative working and a toolkit to support interdisciplinary working.
4. Online and in-person events for IES and ACCESS members, to expand shared understanding and promote future collaborations.
The project team
This project is led by Birgitta Gatersleben (ACCESS Co-Director, University of Surrey), with a team comprising:
• Ethny Childs, Head of Communities & Partnerships – Institution for Environmental Sciences (IES)
• Amy Bond, Communities & Membership Engagement Officer – IES
• Professor Ian Walker, ACCESS, Swansea University
• Professor Chris Jones, ACCESS, University of Portsmouth
• Dr Melissa Marselle, ACCESS, University of Surrey
• Professor Gary Kass, ACCESS, Imperial College London
• Anita Lateano, ACCESS, University of Westminster
Professor Birgitta Gatersleben, Co-Director of the ACCESS Network, said:
“I am excited to work on this project with IES. The main aim of the project is to co-produce a set of resources for interdisciplinary working. Co-production lies at the heart of ACCESS work and is one of our guiding principles. This project enables us to work with a new group of people and will undoubtedly be a valuable learning experience for all.”
Ethny Childs, Head of Communities and Partnerships at the IES, said:
“Collaboration between environmental scientists and social scientists is vital for tackling the complex, interconnected challenges facing our environment and society. I am thrilled that we will be embarking on this new project with ACCESS to support interdisciplinary working in practice and build a foundation for future collaboration between our networks.”
The Environmental Social Science in Interdisciplinary Working project will run from October 2025 to September 2026.
For more information about the project, please contact: ACCESS_admin@exeter.ac.uk
