@article {bnh-4210, title = {Scientific diversity, scientific uncertainty and risk mitigation policy and planning: annual report 2016-17}, number = {323}, year = {2017}, month = {09/2017}, 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, this valuing of science has not been accompanied by research into the opportunities and challenges of using science in policy and practice. It is important to understand the inherent uncertainties in scientific results and methods so that practitioners are more able to judge and use this work, including in terms of evaluating it with respect to other knowledge sources {\textendash} social science, professional knowledge, experiential knowledge and so on.

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 does not receive the full range of information it requires, and it continues to be vulnerable to the perpetuation of received ideas and {\textquoteleft}myths{\textquoteright} about science, its use and its utility. This work supports the capacity of risk management practitioners to explain and justify mitigation practices to other risk mitigation professionals, the public, the media, and courts and inquiry processes.

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 conducted about and with practitioners. In doing so, it will provide an improved understanding of scientific integration pathways and an improved basis for articulating and defending science-based decision-making in natural hazard risk mitigation. Our findings are showing how knowledge integration and knowledge diversity are essential to navigating risk and uncertainty.

}, issn = {323}, author = {Jessica Weir and Liz Clarke} }