The challenges of research utilisation and the risks of collaborative research

Translating and using research in emergency management policy and practice is challenging. It requires time and collaboration between researchers and practitioners. While it is assumed that working together well will lead to better outcomes than working in silos, clear evidence and guidance on what it takes to achieve successful collaboration is lacking. This paper discusses the challenges of research translation and utilisation and considers the risks of collaboration. The paper reflects on how collaboration between researchers and practitioners can achieve robust scientific contributions, as well as relevant and useful practical outcomes.