Transdisciplinary energy research - Reflecting the context

Social science has a difficult position in energy research. In the past, social science was often misused to increase public acceptance of technological research achievements. The authentic role of social science, making contributions to how the energy system should be institutionalized, guided, and fitted in social and environmental contexts, has been dominated by one voice, that of mainstream economics. If social science wants to assume a broader more independent role, the many voices of social science have to position themselves such that governments, firms, social groups and individuals are able to profit from its various messages. This positioning requires a certain amount of self-reflection. In this paper, instead of theorizing, four research endeavors I have been involved in are set in their context. To this end I use a concept of transdisciplinarity proposed by Max-Neef. My hope is that authors of this new journal will join me in attempting to place their contributions in the context of a larger picture, so that their contributions can have an impact in guiding energy systems in constructive directions.