U.S. Joint Fire Science Program
Date of this Version
2007
Document Type
Article
Citation
Final Report to the Joint Fire Science Program JFSP Project # 05-S-07
Abstract
Since its inception in 1998, the Joint Fire Science Program (JFSP) has funded over 350 projects. The Joint Fire Science Program has long recognized that the investments made in wildland fire science need to be accompanied by an emphasis on science interpretation and delivery. Program success is ultimately measured by how well information from research efforts is being conveyed to resource managers and end users, and whether this information is improving management decisions. This project introduced a conceptual model for an adaptive process to improve the delivery of scientific information. We developed this process through these steps: 1. Creating a clear understanding of the existing set of knowledge, methods, and tools 2. Assessing whether these are useful and who needs them 3. Determining which scientists and managers will be helpful in the delivery process and which will avoid or resist it 4. Developing a plan to demonstrate a variety of science delivery techniques. The overall goal was to promote organizational change through a two-way transfer of information between researchers and those who put new knowledge, methods, and tools into use. To accomplish this goal, the study undertook four distinct projects. The first task was to create summaries of each JFSP-funded project. Each one presented a manager’s perspective of the project and the applicability of the research. A total of 138 were drafted and sent out to the Principal Investigators for review. The final summaries have been posted to the Wildland Fire – Lessons Learned Center website. The next task involved a survey of land managers from the various agencies that support JFSP, asking for their perspectives on the program and the effectiveness of current science delivery mechanisms. The third task was a survey of Principal Investigators from JFSP asking for their perspectives on effective science delivery techniques. We also conducted an evaluation of synthesis techniques and evaluated the proof of concept in relation to the our analysis of the completed JFSP studies
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Comments
US government work.