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Tuohy P, Cvitanovic C, Shellock RJ, Karcher DB, Duggan J, Cooke SJ. Considerations for Research Funders and Managers to Facilitate the Translation of Scientific Knowledge into Practice. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 73:668-682. [PMID: 38019304 DOI: 10.1007/s00267-023-01895-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
Research funders and managers can play a critical role in supporting the translation of knowledge into action by facilitating the brokering of knowledge and partnerships. We use semi-structured interviews with a research funding agency, the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), to explore (i) ways that funders can facilitate knowledge brokering, the (ii) barriers to, and (iii) enablers for, facilitating knowledge brokering, and (iv) the individual skills and attributes for research program funders and managers to be effective brokers. Based on these findings, we generate three considerations for research funders elsewhere, in particular R4D funders, seeking to build capacity for knowledge brokering: (i) formalise the process and practice, (ii) develop shared language and understanding, and (iii) build individual competencies and capabilities. Our findings complement the existing literature with a context specific analysis of how research funders can facilitate knowledge brokering, and by identifying the barriers and enablers in doing so.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Tuohy
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Science, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia.
| | - C Cvitanovic
- School of Business, University of New South Wales, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - R J Shellock
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Science, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
- Centre for Marine Socioecology, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - D B Karcher
- Australian National Centre for the Public Awareness of Science, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - J Duggan
- Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australia National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - S J Cooke
- Department of Biology and Institute of Environmental and Interdisciplinary Science, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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Nyboer EA, Reid AJ, Jeanson AL, Kelly R, Mackay M, House J, Arnold SM, Simonin PW, Sedanza MGC, Rice ED, Quiros TEAL, Pierucci A, Ortega-Cisneros K, Nakamura JN, Melli V, Mbabazi S, Martins MSL, Ledesma ABB, Obregón C, Labatt CK, Kadykalo AN, Heldsinger M, Green ME, Fuller JL, Franco-Meléndez M, Burnett MJ, Bolin JA, Andrade-Vera S, Cooke SJ. Goals, challenges, and next steps in transdisciplinary fisheries research: perspectives and experiences from early-career researchers. REVIEWS IN FISH BIOLOGY AND FISHERIES 2022; 33:349-374. [PMID: 35968251 PMCID: PMC9361974 DOI: 10.1007/s11160-022-09719-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Fisheries are highly complex social-ecological systems that often face 'wicked' problems from unsustainable resource management to climate change. Addressing these challenges requires transdisciplinary approaches that integrate perspectives across scientific disciplines and knowledge systems. Despite widespread calls for transdisciplinary fisheries research (TFR), there are still limitations in personal and institutional capacity to conduct and support this work to the highest potential. The viewpoints of early career researchers (ECRs) in this field can illuminate challenges and promote systemic change within fisheries research. This paper presents the perspectives of ECRs from across the globe, gathered through a virtual workshop held during the 2021 World Fisheries Congress, on goals, challenges, and future potential for TFR. Big picture goals for TFR were guided by principles of co-production and included (i) integrating transdisciplinary thinking at all stages of the research process, (ii) ensuring that research is inclusive and equitable, (iii) co-creating knowledge that is credible, relevant, actionable, and impactful, and (iv) consistently communicating with partners. Institutional inertia, lack of recognition of the extra time and labour required for TFR, and lack of skill development opportunities were identified as three key barriers in conducting TFR. Several critical actions were identified to help ECRs, established researchers, and institutions reach these goals. We encourage ECRs to form peer-mentorship networks to guide each other along the way. We suggest that established researchers ensure consistent mentorship while also giving space to ECR voices. Actions for institutions include retooling education programs, developing and implementing new metrics of impact, and critically examining individualism and privilege in academia. We suggest that the opportunities and actions identified here, if widely embraced now, can enable research that addresses complex challenges facing fishery systems contributing to a healthier future for fish and humans alike.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A. Nyboer
- Department of Biology and Institute of Environmental and Interdisciplinary Science, Carleton University, Carleton Technology and Training Centre, Ottawa, ON 4440KK1S 5B6 Canada
| | - Andrea J. Reid
- Centre for Indigenous Fisheries, Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries, The University of British Columbia, 2202 Main Mall, Vancouver, V6T 1Z4 Canada
| | - Amanda L. Jeanson
- Department of Biology and Institute of Environmental and Interdisciplinary Science, Carleton University, Carleton Technology and Training Centre, Ottawa, ON 4440KK1S 5B6 Canada
| | - Rachel Kelly
- Centre for Marine Socioecology, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7005 Australia
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7000 Australia
| | - Mary Mackay
- Centre for Marine Socioecology, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7005 Australia
- Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7000 Australia
- CSIRO Oceans & Atmosphere, Castray Esplanade, Battery Point, Hobart, TAS 7001 Australia
- Centre for Marine Socioecology, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 49, Hobart, TAS 7001 Australia
| | - Jenny House
- Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods, Charles Darwin University, Ellengowan Dr, Casuarina, NT 0810 Australia
| | | | - Paul W. Simonin
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Cornell University, 215 Tower Road, Ithaca, NY 14853 USA
| | - Mary Grace C. Sedanza
- Graduate School of Fisheries and Environmental Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, 852-8521 Japan
- Institute of Aquaculture, College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 5023 Miagao, Iloilo Philippines
| | - Emma D. Rice
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan USA
| | - T. E. Angela L. Quiros
- Field Science Center for Northern Biosphere, Akkeshi Marine Station, Hokkaido University, Hokkaidô, Japan
| | - Andrea Pierucci
- COISPA Tecnologia & Ricerca, Stazione Sperimentale Per Lo Studio Delle Risorse del Mare, Bari, Italy
| | | | - Julia N. Nakamura
- Strathclyde Centre for Environmental Law and Governance (SCELG), University of Strathclyde Law School, Glasgow, UK
| | - Valentina Melli
- DTU Aqua, National Institute of Aquatic Resources, North Sea Science Park, 9850 Hirtshals, Denmark
| | - Stella Mbabazi
- Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Mariana S. L. Martins
- Fisheries Ecosystems Laboratory (LabPesq), Oceanographic Institute, University of São Paulo (USP), Brazil - Praça do Oceanográfico, 11 - sala 107 - Cidade Universitária, São Paulo (SP), Brazil
| | - Anne Brigette B. Ledesma
- Institute of Fisheries Policy and Development Studies, College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, University of the Philippines Visayas, 5023 Miagao, Iloilo Philippines
| | - Clara Obregón
- Environmental and Conservation Sciences, College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, 90 South St, Murdoch, WA 6150 Australia
- Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, 90 South St, Murdoch, WA 6150 Australia
| | - Chepkemboi K. Labatt
- School of Geography and Environmental Sciences, Ulster University, Cromore Rd, Coleraine, BT52 1SA UK
- Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute-KMFRI, Ocean and Coastal Systems, PO Box 81651-80100, Mombasa, Kenya
| | - Andrew N. Kadykalo
- Department of Biology and Institute of Environmental and Interdisciplinary Science, Carleton University, Carleton Technology and Training Centre, Ottawa, ON 4440KK1S 5B6 Canada
| | - Michael Heldsinger
- Department of Marine Science, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin, 9054 New Zealand
- RPS Group, Oceans and Coastal Sector, Level 2/27-31 Troode St, West Perth, WA 6005 Australia
| | - Madeline E. Green
- CSIRO Oceans & Atmosphere, Castray Esplanade, Battery Point, Hobart, TAS 7001 Australia
- Centre for Marine Socioecology, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 49, Hobart, TAS 7001 Australia
| | - Jessica L. Fuller
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Milagros Franco-Meléndez
- Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias con mención en Manejo de Recursos Acuáticos Renovables, Departamento de Oceanografía, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
- Centro de Investigación Oceanográfica COPAS-Sur Austral, EPOMAR, Departamento de Oceanografía, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Matthew J. Burnett
- Centre for Functional Biodiversity, School of Life Science, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
| | - Jessica A. Bolin
- School of Science, Technology and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD Australia
| | - Solange Andrade-Vera
- Charles Darwin Research Station, Charles Darwin Foundation, Puerto Ayora, Galápagos Islands Ecuador
| | - Steven J. Cooke
- Department of Biology and Institute of Environmental and Interdisciplinary Science, Carleton University, Carleton Technology and Training Centre, Ottawa, ON 4440KK1S 5B6 Canada
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