RESE ARCH INTO PR ACTICE
Building research links Following our recent article on the links with academia, Sheffield academic Clare Rishbeth offers her top ten approaches to engaging with professional practice. Clare Rishbeth
University of Sheffield
In a recent article for Landscape, Alison Galbraith explored the potential of academic research to inform professional practice, and some of the limitations around how this happens in reality. I agree that peer reviewed papers do not make for very digestible reading to gain insights for practice but would argue that in nearly all cases this is not the intent of that particular writing output, just as contractors’ drawings are not expected to be accessible for local residents. Whether practitioner or academic, we all have to be skilled in creating
opportunities for communication and learning that are meaningful for different audiences. Alison’s article started me thinking of all the different ways university research shapes practice. Two key points are that much of our ‘knowledge exchange’ isn’t even in written form, and that primarily it is directed ‘outward’ of the profession itself – representing landscape architectural values and applying landscape skills and approaches within interdisciplinary and inter-sector settings. Below I outline the ‘top 10’ ways in which academic research engages with professional practice. Examples are from the Department of Landscape Architecture, University of Sheffield because this is where I am based and chosen for broad representation rather than providing a conclusive list. Of course, academics from other institutions will also be involved in many of these activities. Evidence of
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planning for ‘Impact’ or ‘Knowledge Exchange’ is required for most grant funding and derives directly from the findings of these projects. However, time is always tight, with these roles fitting in alongside our commitment to teaching and learning, research fieldwork and management, and academic writing. 1. We collaborate with non-academic stakeholders on designing and running research projects, including producing non-academic outputs such as reports, training etc. (Improving Wellbeing through Urban Nature with Sheffield and Rotherham Wildlife Trust, outputs included practice guides1, a three year long series of open access seminars, with the findings intrinsic to SRWT successful bid as a Green Prescribing national pilot2). 2. We contribute to advisory boards for national and international organisations (Natural England Social Science Expert panel, International Play Association: access to play for children in situations of crisis.3 ) and are involved in internationally significant events (Chair COP26 panel: Nature for Climate & Biodiversity in Cities). 3. Academics provide commissioned and collaborative expertise in design projects and competition entries. Sometimes as a design lead (Bergamo Green Square, Italy.4), sometimes as specialist contributors (community engagement Camden Highline shortlist5), often on a consultancy basis. 4. Our department initiates and facilitates cross sector events on current debates (Street Trees and Politics conference 20196, in 2022 to be published in book form as ‘The Politics of Street Trees’.7).
1h ttp://iwun.uk/ findings/ 2h ttp://iwun.uk/ building-a-strategy-forgreen-prescribing-insheffield and https://sybics.co.uk/ green-socialprescribing 3h ttp://ipaworld.org/ wp-content/ uploads/2018/02/ IPA-APC-ResearchSynthesis-Report-A4. pdf 4h ttps://www.sheffield. ac.uk/landscape/ news/nigel-dunnettdesigns-greenrecovery-squarebergamo-italy 5h ttps://www. architectsjournal.co.uk/ news/finalists-incamden-highlinecompetition-named 6h ttps://sola-blog. com/2019/08/19/ the-environment-ishotting-up-but-is-itour-political-climatethat-is-bad-for-streettrees/ 7h ttps://www. routledge.com/ The-Politics-of-StreetTrees/WoudstraAllen/p/ book/9780367516284
