A bridge connecting theory and practice in transformative research.

From Theory to Action: Grounded Research for Real-World Change

Elliot Brynn in Science & Nature August 2025 • 4 min read.

"Bridging the gap between transformative science and practical application for a more sustainable future."

Transformative science (TS) has become a frequent topic but a comparative analysis of TS as discussed versus TS in practice is missing. The theoretical discussion and the practical application of transformative research (TR) seemingly progress at different rates. The risk is premature structuring and inflated expectations for innovative experiments where science meets society.

Science faces a dual transformation challenge. It must change externally (society) and internally (scientific system). This can overwhelm scientific work. This article asks about the exact social practice of TR beyond the mainly programmatic debate and its legitimacy as a distinct research practice compared to transdisciplinary research (TD).

Based on innovation theory, we argue for TD as an innovation in the scientific system. Its commitment to social change should be supported by empirically grounded (scientific) theoretical foundations (compare Ukowitz 2014, Krohn et al. 2017, Zscheischler et al. 2017).

Why Grounded Theory Matters for Transformative Research

A bridge connecting theory and practice in transformative research.

The current discourse is more programmatic than empirically grounded or scientifically underpinned. TS is primarily formulated as a demand on scientists and the scientific system at the discourse level, not empirically or analytically examined as lived research practice. The chronology is a core issue: research that transforms is mainly conceived from the goal. Whether transformation—in society or science—has occurred can only be judged retrospectively. Even then, it is hard to tell if research caused transformation. So, the discussion is theoretical because TS has not proven its transformative impact and is only transformation-oriented.

A key problem is chronology: transformative research is often conceived by its end goal. However, whether transformation occurs in society or science can only be assessed in hindsight. Even then, attributing change to research is challenging. Therefore, much of the discussion remains theoretical, as true transformative science requires demonstrable impact.

Clarify Social Practices: Define the specific social practices that characterize transformative research, distinguishing it from other forms of research.
Bridge Theory and Practice: Systematically link theoretical frameworks with practical applications to ensure research efforts are grounded and effective.
Promote Empirical Development: Encourage research designs that allow for empirical observation and analysis of transformative processes as they unfold.

To move forward, a shift toward empirical grounding and theoretical support is essential. This involves focusing on the actual practices of transformative research and developing methodologies that capture the nuances of these processes. By doing so, we can better understand how research can truly lead to meaningful change.

Toward Grounded Theory in Transformative Research

To move from programmatics to practice and decelerate programmatic discourse for evolutionary structuring through practice, we advocate for developing a Grounded Theory (GT) of transformation-oriented science. The programmatic-normative demands and transformation expectations should be hypotheses. The GT research logic (Strauss and Corbin 1990) should be an iterative-circular process between empirical fieldwork, reflection, and concept formation for an upward spiral of knowledge toward theoretical saturation. Empirical theory development should occur within moderated, transdisciplinary networks and across research projects. Constant comparison of empirical cases, theoretical categories/concepts, and systematic review of new knowledge about case/material selection are core.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

Everything You Need To Know

What exactly is transformative science (TS), and why is it important to distinguish between its theoretical discussion versus its actual application?

Transformative science (TS) refers to research that aims to create significant social and scientific change. It's crucial to differentiate between the theoretical discussion of TS and its practical application because the theoretical aspects often outpace real-world results. This disparity can lead to unrealistic expectations and premature structuring of innovative experiments. The absence of grounded practice risks the legitimacy of TS as a distinct research practice. It must be empirically grounded and scientifically underpinned to be considered valid.

How does transdisciplinary research (TD) relate to transformative science (TS), and what role does innovation theory play in understanding this relationship?

Transdisciplinary research (TD) can be viewed as an innovation within the scientific system, aligning with the principles of innovation theory. TD supports transformative science (TS) by committing to social change. This commitment is strengthened by empirically grounded theoretical foundations. TD offers a structured framework for fostering collaboration and integration across different disciplines, which is essential for addressing complex societal challenges and realizing the goals of transformative research (TR).

Why is 'chronology' a core issue in transformative research (TR), and how does it affect the assessment of whether transformation has actually occurred?

Chronology is a central problem because transformative research (TR) is often conceived starting with the desired end goal. This makes it challenging to determine if the research truly caused the observed transformation in society or science. The assessment of transformation is retrospective, making it difficult to attribute specific changes directly to research efforts. This challenge contributes to the primarily theoretical nature of discussions around transformative science (TS), as its actual transformative impact remains difficult to prove in real-time.

What does it mean to develop a 'Grounded Theory (GT)' of transformation-oriented science, and why is this approach beneficial?

Developing a Grounded Theory (GT) of transformation-oriented science involves creating a theory based on empirical data rather than preconceived notions. The programmatic and normative demands, along with transformation expectations, should be treated as hypotheses to be tested through iterative-circular processes between empirical fieldwork, reflection, and concept formation. This GT research logic allows for an upward spiral of knowledge toward theoretical saturation. It is beneficial because it ensures that transformative research (TR) is rooted in practical observations and experiences, making it more likely to lead to meaningful and sustainable change.

What specific steps should be taken to clarify the social practices of transformative research (TR) and better link theoretical frameworks with practical applications?

To clarify the social practices of transformative research (TR), several steps are necessary. First, the specific social practices that characterize transformative research must be clearly defined, distinguishing it from other forms of research. Second, theoretical frameworks need to be systematically linked with practical applications to ensure research efforts are grounded and effective. Third, research designs should allow for empirical observation and analysis of transformative processes as they unfold. This involves focusing on the actual practices of transformative research and developing methodologies that capture the nuances of these processes, ultimately bridging the gap between theory and practice in transformative science (TS). Constant comparison of empirical cases, theoretical categories/concepts, and systematic review of new knowledge about case/material selection are core.