To date, most international debates on TD have been dominated by Western academic scholars (the Zürich “school” versus the French theoretical approach, notably). This is a major limitation, as the TD research community stresses the importance of local contexts and cultural dimensions, and it should apply its principles for itself. As part of the RIHN visiting research fellow program, I have performed an immersive “inquiry” based on 1) interviews with RIHN staff (including directors, research program leaders and researchers in diverse fields); 2) participatory observations (project meetings, formal and informal discussions, access to archives, participation to the RIHN General Meeting…). Not surprisingly, but to a large extent than I was expecting, RIHN researchers have developed a huge sense of reflexivity about their own specificities. Building on this invaluable resource, I will present my own understandings and impressions, playing on the ambiguity of my outside-in stance. As I/we intend to communicate about RIHN in different TD communities, please come check it out and let’s continue the discussion.

I would like to express my deep appreciation for RIHN’s support in this investigation, notably in terms of logistics and time dedicated to interviews.