More than a mirror: embedding reflexivity for transformative sustainability research

Reflexivity is regarded as essential for enabling transformative transdisciplinary research, yet it remains a marginal practice that is weakly institutionalised. This Perspective draws on the experiences of the Reflexivity Task Force, a dedicated group of researchers established to embed reflexivity within the Horizon Europe BIONEXT project. We show that intentionally designed reflexive interventions can surface hidden biases, power dynamics and divergent perspectives influencing transdisciplinary research. However, barriers to engaging researchers with more conflictual or deeply entrenched dimensions of positionality and power can lead to ‘safe’ forms of reflection with limited impact on research outcomes. We argue that making reflexivity more than a mirror requires institutional transformation, moving reflexivity from an optional practice to a core scientific capacity embedded within research governance, funding and evaluation systems. Importantly, this institutionalisation of reflexivity must not come at the cost of maintaining its provocative spirit, which requires deliberative engagement with pluralism and contestation.