Todos os Santos Bay research program: Response to the complexity of the demands for knowledge

Abstract

This article proposes a reflection on new research designs - long-term transdisciplinary studies - to favor the investigation of complex phenomena, such as those concerning with ecosystems and human activities. Chemistry has an important role in these designs, by promoting the dialogue between different fields of knowledge. To enrich this reflection, this article presents the experience of the Todos os Santos Bay (BTS) Research Program that began in 2007, with longitudinal horizon of 30 years of study. Despite the challenges, such as the difficulty of establishing a common language or the demand for a transdisciplinary capacity building, this type of research design indicates a trend, that is expected to be irreversible in the science, technology and innovation (C, T & I) current scenario to act upon the increasing complexity of the socio-environmental phenomena and the society's demand for solutions that contribute to a better life.