Building an Interdisciplinary Team for Disaster Response Research: A Data-Driven Approach

Area of Science:

• Disaster Science
• Team Science
• Interdisciplinary Research

Background:

• Disaster response research faces challenges like acute events, limited resources, and high uncertainty.
• Effective collaboration across disciplines is crucial for addressing complex disaster scenarios.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine teaming mechanisms for interdisciplinary disaster response research.
• To identify critical data types requiring interdisciplinary collaboration.
• To advocate for a long-term, data-driven approach to building these teams.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of three distinct interdisciplinary teaming models: ad hoc/grant-driven, research center-based, and expertise-matched long-term collaborations.
• Case study context using hurricane response scenarios.
• Examination of data collection, integration, and analysis needs.

Main Results:

• Identified three primary models for forming interdisciplinary disaster research teams.
• Highlighted the critical role of interdisciplinary collaboration in managing diverse data types during disaster response.
• Emphasized the need for structured, long-term research protocols.

Conclusions:

• Recommends a strategic, long-term approach to building interdisciplinary teams for disaster response research.
• Advocates for a data-driven methodology to guide disciplinary engagement.
• Stresses the importance of integrated research protocols for effective disaster mitigation and recovery efforts.