Adrian-Kalchhauser, I.; Bussmann-Charran, K.; N'Guyen, A.; Hirsch, P. E.; Wiegleb, j.; Bergmann, L.; Burkhardt-Holm, P.

Environmental research aimed at informing management and policy must navigate a complex landscape. It has to balance scientific rigor with societal relevance, and academic output with practical impact. This balancing act is especially demanding in inter- and transdisciplinary (ID/TD) projects, which are increasingly called upon to involve stakeholders and produce locally actionable knowledge while also advancing academic careers. In this presentation, we share insights from a 12-year ID/TD research initiative focused on managing an invasive fish species in Central Europe. Beyond showcasing the project\'s scope and tangible outcomes, we offer a critical reflection on the key factors that enabled its long-term success. These span political, administrative, societal, institutional, team-based, and individual dimensions. Our aim is to provide transferable lessons for researchers, funders, and policy-makers involved in long-term environmental projects. By unpacking the challenges and enablers of ID/TD collaboration, we hope to inform funding strategies for ecological and applied research and promote more nuanced evaluation frameworks that recognize the unique dynamics of sustainability-focused research.