4.6.8.5 Researchers

More inclusive global research needs to be undertaken that reflects on the justice and risk aspects of tipping points. Scientists have an agenda-setting function and a breadth of expertise that will be invaluable in navigating the science-policy interface and solving complex problems like tipping points. Greater diversity in terms of cultural, religious, ethnic, gender, background and discipline of researchers is needed. Place-specific information and experience is often lacking as a lot of research is concentrated in high-income countries. In order to harness relevant positive tipping opportunities, researchers and practitioners need to understand diverse living realities and interact with actors outside of their professional ‘bubbles’ (Bentley et al., 2014). Avoiding diverse harms requires a broad range of experience and expertise, and an acknowledgement of the need for plural approaches not only within academic disciplines, but also of diverse knowledge systems beyond academia Tàbara et al., 2021

By being more mindful about inclusiveness, research can bring about more procedural justice into research through participatory co-design, action research and humility on the part of researchers. Diversity and inclusivity of research teams – within and beyond academia – are needed to help find solutions to tipping points that do not exacerbate existing inequities and inequalities.