Convergence research: contributions from sustainable regional systems

Convergence research, as defined by the National Science Foundation (NSF), is characterized by problem-driven inquiry and deep integration across disciplines to tackle pressing societal needs. This collection of 10 manuscripts advances both theoretical frameworks and practical applications of convergence research, drawing primarily from the work of the Intermountain West Transformation Network and other teams funded by NSF’s Sustainable Regional Systems program. Manuscripts examine how convergence research differs from related fields like transdisciplinary research and team science, while exploring the role of community engagement and integration across diverse knowledge systems. Several papers focus on theoretical frameworks, including the Guided Transformation approach that combines social-ecological-technological systems theory with resilience theory to translate knowledge into action. Others present practical tools for convergence, such as the fuzzy SETS framework and systems thinking methods that help integrate diverse epistemic perspectives, as well as art-science collaborations that broaden participation in research. Case studies demonstrate convergence research applications across various contexts, from addressing social inequities in U.S.-Mexico border water planning to analyzing economic interconnections in Western U.S. regional communities. The collection highlights the importance of expanding convergence beyond STEM disciplines to include social sciences, humanities, and community-rooted knowledge systems. As convergence research continues to evolve, these contributions emphasize that successful approaches must embrace epistemological plurality, prioritize reciprocity with communities, and develop methodologies that translate across disciplinary boundaries. In doing so, convergence research can generate transformative approaches to our most pressing societal challenges.