PNNL

Abstract

This paper examines the ability of researchers to develop and implement a research agenda that can help solve environmental problems. Two examples demonstrate both the enthusiastic interest of many researchers to undertake environmentally-related research projects and the ability of significant collective efforts to help define the directions of new environmentally-important research. However, the transfer of new scientific information to relevant environmental technology and application is the more difficult challenge. There are several types of barriers to the rapid transfer of new scientific information to technological practice. Barriers include the nature of available research funding, a common (mis)-understanding of the relationship between pure and applied research, and the challenges of researchers and engineers working on multidisciplinary teams and with non-technical people and organizations who have a vested interest in the problem and solution. To have a significant impact on environmental problems, technologists need to become involved in many activities, well beyond those associated with normal research.