Enhanced Partnership Development to Expand and Achieve Common Study Goals

Session: 42. - Multi-Watershed Nutrient Study: Establishing a Monitoring Network in Agricultural Regions

Janis Thomas, Ont. Ministry of Environment & Climate Change, janis.thomas@ontario.ca
Ryan Sorichetti, Ontario Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change, ryan.sorichetti@ontario.ca
Christopher Wellen, Ryerson University, christopher.wellen@ryerson.ca
Chris Parsons, University of Waterloo, chris.parsons85@gmail.com
Gabrielle Ferguson , Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Gabrielle.Ferguson@ontario.ca
Cheriene Vieira, Ontario Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change, cheriene.vieira@ontario.ca
Mohamed Mohamed, Ontario Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change, Mohamed.Mohamed2@ontario.ca

Abstract

Creating collaborative partnerships on environmental research projects can improve study relevance, feasibility, and scope. While critical for success, creating and maintaining partnerships is time consuming and can often become a low priority. Using the Multi-Watershed Nutrient Study (MWNS) as a case example, this talk shares lessons learned and strategies for forming and maintaining formal research-based partnerships, as well as maintaining smaller, less formal collaborative arrangements. Other relationships that allow for information exchange will also be highlighted. Through these collaborations, the MWNS has been able to expand scope and provide more meaningful information to support policy development. In addition, and equally important, the MWNS has provided an integrative platform for project collaborators to expand their own research objectives through the use of established infrastructure, as well as having access to a network of multi-agency and interdisciplinary collaborators.

4. Additional Keyword
partnerships

5. Additional Keyword
collaboration