Targeting knowledge gaps
Rather than chase every issue in biodiversity science, WABSI undertakes a structured consultation process with end users to find the large, complex challenges that are common across organisations and sectors, to identify the knowledge needs that can only be addressed through collaboration. We then build targeted research programs to address the gaps.
Good decisions depend on having the right knowledge at the right time.
How we develop research programsA knowledge gap refers to information which is missing, but is critically needed to make a more informed, real-world decision and ensure sustainable development and better protection for biodiversity.
WABSI’s end user consultation process connects decision makers with researchers to identify and prioritise biodiversity knowledge needs. It ensures research is focused on real-world challenges and produces evidence that can inform policy, planning, investment, management and practice.
Research that responds to real-world needs
By starting with the challenges facing decision makers, WABSI helps focus research effort on the knowledge gaps that matter most, improving the relevance, usability and impact of biodiversity science.
Directing investment to build a stronger evidence base
Bringing together perspectives from government, industry, research and other end users creates a shared understanding of knowledge needs and helps direct investment towards priority gaps.
Unfocused research still leaves the decision stuck.
Biodiversity science is a big field and funding is finite. Without a deliberate process to prioritise, effort spreads thin – interesting work gets done, but the specific gap blocking a decision often isn't the gap that gets studied.
Research drifts from the decision
- Priorities set by researcher interest or funding cycles, not by end-user need
- Assessment and policy proceed under default uncertainty and delay
- Findings sit in journals rather than reaching the people who need them
- Sectors work in isolation, duplicating effort or leaving real gaps unaddressed
Research closes the specific gap
- Priorities set jointly by the regulators, industry and researchers who need the answer
- Programs are scoped around the evidence a decision is actually waiting on
- Findings are translated into guidance, tools and standards that get used
- Effort is coordinated once, across sectors, instead of duplicated
From a shared problem to a scoped research program.
WABSI uses a structured, collaborative process to move from broad challenges to clearly defined knowledge priorities. Consultation helps ensure priorities reflect the needs of those using biodiversity evidence to make decisions.
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Understand the issue
We start by listening to decision makers and understanding the biodiversity challenges they face. This includes the decisions they need to make, the evidence they currently use and where uncertainty or knowledge gaps are affecting outcomes.
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Identify knowledge needs
Through conversations, workshops and other engagement, we explore what information or evidence would improve decision making. The focus is on identifying the knowledge needed to address the issue, rather than starting with a predetermined research question.
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Map existing knowledge
We work with researchers and knowledge holders to understand what is already known, what evidence is available and where research is underway. This helps identify genuine gaps and avoid duplicating existing work.
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Define and prioritise gaps
Identified gaps are assessed against their importance to decision making, the consequences of uncertainty and the potential value of new evidence. This helps distinguish priority knowledge needs from areas where further research is less urgent.
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Develop research priorities
WABSI brings end users and researchers together to translate priority gaps into research questions and programs. Priorities are shaped around the evidence needed to support better decisions, while drawing on scientific expertise and opportunities for collaboration.
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Connect research to action
The process continues beyond identifying priorities. WABSI coordinates and enables collaboration around agreed research needs, helping connect independent science with policy, industry and investment and supporting the translation of evidence into decisions and outcomes.
What a targeted gap turns into.
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Solutions for nature
Research priorities
What WABSI's priorities actually are right now, and how they connect to research programs.
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Solutions for nature
Traditional knowledge
Bringing Traditional Knowledge and contemporary science together to care for Country.
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Research programs
See an active program
Nine WABSI research programs are running right now – each one born from exactly this process.