Towards better integration of science in resilience building

The great potential that science offers to resilience building and disaster risk reduction is widely acknowledged. However, there are numerous instances where the research does not achieve its intended impact. The aim of this project is to ensure the impact of the IRNH programme and its consortia and their findings, on increasing resilience. To do this, I will focus on key parts of the resilience-building process that relate to policy and practice. In terms of policy, this is the Hyogo Framework for Action and its successor, and the UN cluster approach for humanitarian response. In terms of practice, I will focus on maximising research impact in the humanitarian sector (international NGOs and key donors), and the private sector. I will also ensure that the findings of the IRNH programme, its consortia and this fellowship inform and influence decision-making within international scientific bodies.

The project is designed to maximise the impact of the IRNH programme and its consortia's findings, using a range of knowledge exchange approaches. These include participating in key meetings and policy processes during the course of the project, using training courses as a vehicle for integrating the consortia's findings into operational decision-making in humanitarian organisations, influencing bilateral/multilateral donor policy and their guidance on using scientific information, disseminating key findings from the IRNH programme and its consortia to the private sector through mechanisms like the PURE network, disseminating findings to international scientific bodies and influencing their policy, and brokering relationships and partnerships between EwF /STREVA scientists and key actors in resilience building.

Initially the focus of my activities will be Nepal (EwF) and Colombia (STREVA). As the fellowship progresses, I will expand my activities and apply what is learned more widely in each of the consortia. This approach acknowledges the evolution of the consortia during the fellowship and that there will be a growing body of research findings. Equally, there are important external events during the lifetime of the project like the post-HFA consultation process, and the implementation of the HFA's successor and the project's design reflects this. Therefore my approach reflects both the changing policy landscape and the progress of the consortia's research.

I will use a range of tools to monitor and evaluate the project, to assess scientific impact on policy and practice, and to measure success. This part of my work will benefit from my excellent links with the Overseas Development Institute, and the expertise within the different groups within it. The project builds on what I have already achieved during my previous knowledge exchange fellowship. It benefits significantly from my having worked successfully with humanitarian organisations to increase the impact of science on their decision-making. The project and its potential for success is also greatly enhanced by my participation in Earthquakes without Frontiers as a co-I. In EwF, I work at the research-policy interface and on transdisciplinary aspects of the project, and have already made significant progress since the start of the project. I also have excellent links with STREVA.

The project design is informed by discussions with numerous IRNH stakeholders and the broad structure is well-defined. However, I will take a flexible approach in order to respond to the consortia's evolving needs, and to the wider policy context. I intend to work closely throughout with the other IRNH KE Fellow that is appointed. At the start of the project, I will work with them to ensure that the two projects are complementary, and to minimise any duplication of effort, identify ways in which our combined expertise might be used creatively or where activities can be shared. Frequent, regular contact between the fellows (either remotely or face-to-face) is vital.