Are scientific assessments and academic culture impeding transformative science?

Abstract This discussion paper addresses the question of why much of our current science is not meeting the needs and societal expectations in addressing many of the complex and ‘wicked problems’ of our times. Many of these are encompassed in the sustainability agenda which is clearly progressing unsatisfactorily. We argue that a widespread transition within the institutions of science to promote transdisciplinary research is needed and that such a move requires also a change in the perception and culture of science. Dominant funding practices, evaluation criteria and assessment metrics are major impediments for a broader engagement in transdisciplinary research. We indicate the kinds of institutional changes that would be needed to address the situation and move toward a better production of actionable knowledge.