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Developing a roadmap for solutions-driven research: Collaborating with stakeholders and partners in the early phases of design, implementation, and translation of nonpoint source nutrients research
Citation:
Twichell, J., K. Mulvaney, T. Gleason, W. Munns, M. Chintala, A. Rea, B. Hubbell, L. Erban, W. Berry, Z. Crocker, S. Horsley, S. Reyes, AND S. Smith. Developing a roadmap for solutions-driven research: Collaborating with stakeholders and partners in the early phases of design, implementation, and translation of nonpoint source nutrients research. International Symposium on Society and Resource Management (ISSRM), Oshkosh, Wisconsin, June 02 - 07, 2019.
Impact/Purpose:
Managing nonpoint source nutrient pollution and advancing clean water would benefit from coordinated efforts among scientists and local, state, and federal level decision makers and likely, implementation of watershed-scale approaches. Solutions-driven research investigates methods for more productively engaging partners and stakeholders from problem formulation through research design, execution, and translation. Part of EPA’s Office of Research and Development’s (ORD) translational science pilot project, an initial problem formulation workshop was held to discuss key research needs with a broad group of stakeholders working on nutrient management in Cape Cod. Results from evaluation of the workshop indicate the workshop was an effective platform for EPA ORD to co-produce information and build trust with stakeholders before developing research plans. The lessons learned from this initial effort provide a roadmap that can be useful in the design, implementation, and evaluation of solutions-driven research efforts going forward.
Description:
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is piloting translational science methods to fine-tune ongoing, collaborative research for the use of innovative and non-traditional nutrient reduction interventions and watershed-scale approaches to managing nonpoint source nutrient pollution. The pilot focuses on Three Bays, Cape Cod, Massachusetts with a long-term goal of transferring solutions and lessons learned from the process to other places facing similar nutrient-management challenges. In the first phase of the pilot, a problem formulation workshop was held for sixty scientists, decision makers, and other key stakeholders working on nutrient reduction on Cape Cod. The objective was to identify key research needs and knowledge gaps related to the nutrient reduction technologies and watershed-level needs. A formal evaluation of the workshop used questionnaires, participant observation, content analysis, and document analysis to (1) synthesize and disseminate information from the workshop, (2) understand benefits to participants and to the EPA, and (3) glean lessons learned for translational science. The evaluation indicated that participants were constructively engaged. Trust, momentum, and networks were fostered among participants and with the organizers. Specific research needs were identified that can be undertaken by EPA and partner organizations. The overall process provided a roadmap for implementing broad, multidisciplinary efforts that include mechanisms for two-way information sharing and that produce benefits for stakeholders. The lessons learned could be of use to other agencies pursuing translational science efforts.