This episode is a conversation between Dr. Melissa Flagg and Stefan Leslie that explores the challenges of tackling wicked and super wicked problems at both global and local scales, and the importance of understanding problems and the environments in which they exist.

They talk about gaps in the current research system, and how to experiment with different ways to support research. Melissa will talk about how important it is to understand the constraints that conditions what research should be done – and how that makes the research better.  Stefan will explore the value of supporting research that solves problems but creates knowledge that is valuable in other circumstances or situations.

If you enjoyed this episode, we invite you to listen to part two of the discussion coming soon. In the next episode, we will explore a new proactive and accountable investment in research funding created to better serve our communities and address the challenges faced by society.

Find our transcript here: https://www.researchns.ca/beyondresearch-gaps-and-opportunities-in-the-current-research-system

In Season 3, Episode 6 – Gaps & Opportunities in the Current Research System, we discuss:

09:15 – The research systems deviation toward the big, flashy, and novel
14:21 – Profit vs Production vs Prestige
21:12 – Research that solves problems and defining specific societal outcomes
39:42 – Discussing and envisioning a possible system to address some of the gaps

Thank you to our guests:

Dr. Melissa Flagg is the founder and president of Flagg Consulting LLC, a fellow at the Acquisition Innovation Research Center (AIRC), a visiting fellow at the Perry World House, and a senior advisor to the Center for Security and Emerging Technology (CSET) at Georgetown University. Prior to this, she served as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Research, responsible for policy and oversight of Defense Department science and technology programs. Dr. Flagg has served on numerous boards including the National Academy of Sciences Air Force Studies Board and the Department of Commerce Emerging Technology Research Advisory Committee. She is currently on the Advisory Board for the Andrew W. Marshall Foundation. She holds a Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Chemistry.

Stefan Leslie is the CEO of Research Nova Scotia. Prior to this, he served as Executive Director of the Marine Environmental Observation Prediction and Response Network, or MEOPAR, a national oceans research network. He has also worked for Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the New Zealand Ministry of Fisheries. 

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