Work Package 3

New Forms of Interdisciplinary Working in Environmental

Science: Running Competency Groups

Ms Susan Bradley, University of Newcastle and Professor Neil Ward, UEA

Ryedale Flood Research Group

• Recruitment: June/July 2007• Six meetings: Sept 2007 to July 2008• ‘Making Space for People’ report and

exhibition in Pickering Memorial Hall: October 2008

Uckfield Flood Research Group

• Recruitment: June/September 2008• Six meetings: Sept 2008 to May 2009• Computer Model development still in

progress• Meeting with Environment Agency &

local Flood Forum: December 2009

Operating principles• Group members should act as individuals in a personal

capacity, rather than as representatives of some wider group or constituency.

• Group members should strive to speak from personal experience, rather than relying on received wisdom.

• Group members should strive to be open to, and respectful of, different points of view. There will be disagreements but these are a positive and productive way of working.

• Group members will be learning together, not just about flooding but also about how best to work collectively, so that other researchers might be able to pursue this approach in future

Ryedale Flood Research Group in action

Participating Institutions

Funding Body

http://knowledge-controversies.ouce.ox.ac.uk/