@article {bnh-2972, title = {Scientific diversity, scientific uncertainty and risk mitigation policy and planning: Annual project report 2015-2016}, number = {182}, year = {2016}, month = {09/2016}, institution = {Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC}, address = {Melbourne}, abstract = {

What is the problem?
There is a significant knowledge deficit concerning how science and other forms of knowledge are used and integrated into sector policy and practice, leading to incorrect and counter-productive misunderstandings. The emphasis on the value of scientific knowledge within the natural hazards sector {\textendash} and particularly in regards to risk mitigation {\textendash} is legitimate. However, to this point, this valuing of science has not been accompanied by research into the actual opportunities and challenges of using science in policy and practice.
Why is it important?
Without greater insight into how science and other forms of knowledge are used and integrated into sector policy and practice, the ability of policymakers and practitioners to explain risk mitigation and translate its scientific basis is compromised. The sector is also vulnerable to the perpetuation of received ideas and {\textquoteleft}myths{\textquoteright} about science, its use and its utility.
How are we going to solve it?
This research project will provide insight into the opportunities and challenges of using science in policy and practice through case studies. In doing so, it will provided an improved understanding of scientific integration pathways and an improved basis for articulating and defending science-based decision-making in natural hazard risk mitigation.

}, issn = {182}, author = {Jessica Weir and Timothy Neale} }