The ANU McCusker Institute has joined the ITD Alliance as an institutional member, connecting the university's pioneering transdisciplinary education programs to a global network of experts and institutions advancing collaborative research and education.
The ITD Alliance is a membership-based organization comprising a dynamic community of leaders in inter- and transdisciplinary work from institutions across six continents. Members collaborate to strengthen capacities for addressing complex societal challenges through innovative approaches to research, teaching, and community engagement.

The membership connects the Institute's students and educators to a global network while contributing its unique model of transdisciplinary education to the Alliance's collective knowledge base.

Advancing Transdisciplinary Problem-Solving

The McCusker Institute develops community-minded leaders who make positive social impact through the SoCIETIE Initiative—a novel curriculum model offering for-credit courses and projects for undergraduate and postgraduate students across all disciplines. The Initiative's name reflects its core focus areas: Social, Change, Impact, Engagement, Transformation, Inclusion, and Equity.

This approach directly supports ANU's transdisciplinary problem-solving graduate attribute, ensuring all undergraduate students develop the capacity to work across disciplines, collaborate with diverse stakeholders, and apply creative approaches to complex societal issues.

Promoting Social Change Through Education

The McCusker Institute's work exemplifies how universities can promote meaningful social change. By connecting students with transdisciplinary researchers, social change advocates, and community leaders, the Institute creates pathways for students to engage with pressing social issues while developing practical skills for collaborative action.

The SoCIETIE Initiative emphasises:

• Real-world learning experiences with community sector partners
• Development of inclusive collaboration and leadership skills
• Critical reflection on approaches to creating social change
• Integration of diverse knowledge systems and perspectives
• Practical application of research to societal challenges

Global Connection, Local Impact

As an ITD Alliance institutional member, the McCusker Institute joins over 35 institutions worldwide committed to advancing inter- and transdisciplinary approaches. The membership provides opportunities for knowledge exchange, collaborative development of teaching methodologies, and participation in working groups addressing key challenges in transdisciplinary education, while supporting goals to strengthen this work in the region.

About the ANU McCusker Institute

The ANU McCusker Institute develops community-minded leaders who make positive social impact. Through the SoCIETIE Initiative and other programs, the Institute inspires students and the ANU community to become active contributors while raising awareness of pressing social issues. The Institute bridges academic research and real-world challenges through transdisciplinary collaboration, preparing students to tackle complex societal issues as engaged citizens.

Visit: https://mccuskerinstitute.anu.edu.au/

About the ITD Alliance

The ITD Alliance is a global membership organization advancing collaborative modes of research and education. With institutional and individual members from six continents, the Alliance strengthens capacities for inter- and transdisciplinary work through knowledge sharing, working groups, and collective advocacy for supportive institutional structures and practices.

Visit: https://itd-alliance.org/