What is a sustained research topic?
Sustained research topics address complex management problems and require a coordinated multi-year approach to develop integrated solutions useful
to fire and fuel managers. These are intended to guide JFSP investments over a period of 3-5 or more years.
What are the criteria for sustained research topics?
- The topic is of high priority to the fire and fuels management community and is within JFSP's mission
- The issue is enduring so that results obtained over 3-10 years will be relevant
- Research questions have sufficient complexity that a focused, long-term approach involving a sequence of research is required
- Topic has the need and potential to build towards a significant deliverable to improve management effectiveness
How do we implement sustained research?
- Problem framing, potentially through workshops
- Science planning
- Proposal solicitation and funding
- Communication plan development and implementation
- Monitoring and adjustment, check back with workshops
Examples of past sustained research topics
- Smoke management and air quality (Link)
- Fuel treatment effects and effectiveness (Link)
Current sustained research topic
Firefighter health and wellness - Firefighter health and wellness is a complex issue for all levels of the wildland fire organization.
The work environment and tempo include arduous work in remote locations for weeks and months, leading to issues with fatigue, exposure to hazardous
conditions, and with potential consequences for long-term physical and mental health. JFSP will work with numerous organizational partners (Medical
and Public Health Advisory Team, Colorado State University, USFS Rocky Mountain Research Station, etc.) to advance this very important science
management need. Potential product outcomes may include a science needs assessment with partners, best practices for fatigue management and
potential future research projects.
