Building Cross-disciplinary Collaboration for the Green Transition
Time: November 7th, 09:00 - 16:00
Place: The Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters, Drammensveien 78, 0271 Oslo.
Register: By invitation.
Invitation not received?
Contact: Håkon Sandbakken, VISTA coordinator
This professional development day brings together professionals and academics from a range of disciplines to explore how different fields can contribute to the green transition. The programme combines individual reflection, group work, and plenary dialogue. Participants will develop future scenarios, identify synergies across disciplines, and explore concrete steps for collaboration and action.
The day provides a structured and creative framework for reflecting on one’s own professional contribution, learning from other perspectives, and co-developing ideas that can strengthen cross-disciplinary cooperation in the frame of green energy transition. Participants can expect an engaging and hands-on process that supports both reflection and the possibilities for concrete outcomes for further collaboration.
The day will be led by Pål Isdahl Solberg and Anders Nordanger.
Pål Isdahl Solberg is a lecturer and programme director at the University of South-Eastern Norway. He works at the intersection of research, practice, and creative collaboration, focusing on dialogue, participation, and cross-disciplinary learning. His work explores how knowledge can be co-created across different fields and perspectives.
Anders Nordanger has spent the past ten years developing cross-disciplinary and cross-sector collaboration at various levels and in diverse constellations. His experience spans several fields, including organizational and trade union development, mental health, and youth and leisure services.
He focuses on how different professional and experiential perspectives can come together to address complex challenges that require a holistic approach.
Program
09:00 – 09:15 Welcome and opening remarks
09:15 – 09:45 A Powerful Force for Change by Jin In, Author, Girl Power and Independent Consultant
09:45 – 10:30 Introduction and IGP method
- Welcome and framing
- Short talk: Siloed organization/funding, language and understanding as barriers in the green transition
- Presentation of the workshop method (IGP: Individual – Group – Plenary)
10:30 – 10:45 Coffee break
10:45 – 11:45 Future Scenario – individual, group, plenary
- Individual:
Question: In 5–10 years, what is your field’s most important contribution to the green transition? Sketch a future scenario. - Discipline groups: Share visions within the same field. Create a joint “future picture” of the field’s role.
- Plenary: Short report-outs from each discipline group.
11:45 – 12:30 Lunch break
12:30 – 13:45 Cross-disciplinary Collaboration – group work and plenary
- Individual: Reflection—How can my field contribute to another field to address green-transition challenges?
- Cross-disciplinary groups:
- How can your field contribute to others?
- How can we jointly develop solutions that cut across fields?
- What could cross-disciplinary collaboration look like (arenas, communication, etc.)?
- Plenary: Summary of synergies and potential areas for collaboration.
13:45 – 14:00 Break
14:00 – 15:00 From Vision to Action – proposals and solutions
- Individual: Question: What will it take to get there? Write concrete proposals.
- Groups:
- What barriers exist (funding, competence, time, legal frameworks, etc.)?
- What solutions and resources are needed?
- Draft proposals/solutions.
- Plenary: Joint summary of concrete next steps; discussion of follow-up structures.
15:00–15:45 Closing and Next Steps – commitments and summary
- Each participant writes one commitment they will follow up after the workshop (individual or collective).
- Brief plenary round to share commitments.
- Summary and thanks.
Methodology: IGP (Individual – Group – Plenary) is used throughout to ensure reflection and ownership.
Tools: Post-its, large sheets, markers (various colors), tape, LEGO.
Group size: 5–6 people to ensure active participation.