Capabilities and Personal Identity of the Researcher

Abstract

In this chapter, I argue that the new type of sustainability research which I suggest makes high demands on the individual researcher, her capabilities, and personal identity. The individual researcher is a key element for the development and actualization of sustainability research. The characteristics of the issue of sustainability and the specific inter- and transdisciplinary design of sustainability research result in specific requirements for the sustainability researcher in regard to her (1) cognitive capabilities, (2) communication skills, and (3) personal morality and ethical competencies. This goes far beyond the requirements of analytical and scientific excellence usually made on a traditional scientist, which are, of course, also requirements for the sustainability researcher.