ASCEND, in partnership with CDKN, hosted two virtual capacity-strengthening sessions in May 2025 to support synthesis teams. The first, attended by 79 participants, focused on knowledge brokering and pathways to research impact, with an emphasis on inclusive approaches to co-creation. The second, an interactive session for 15 team co-leads, addressed power dynamics in transdisciplinary teams, using peer learning to explore challenges and effective practices for fostering equitable collaboration.

Alongside this, ASCEND’s postdoctoral cohort is developing a strong peer-learning network through weekly sessions and monthly training covering project-related work, targeted skills development, and discussions on the postdoctoral career pathway. This included a three-day knowledge brokering workshop co-hosted with CDKN and the Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre in August 2025.