Integration and Implementation Sciences (I2S) is developing concepts and methods to enhance the effectiveness of research programs - like DPMP – which address complex issues.
The development of I2S is a long-term project which has also been supported by the National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health at The Australian National University, the Fulbright New Century Scholars Program, the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Policing and Security, as well as grants from the National Health and Medical Research Council, Land & Water Australia and the Drug Policy Modelling Program.
I2S addresses three domains:
A five question framework for systematically planning and reporting the methodology used in research addressing complex real-world problems has also been developed. Further, as well as this theoretical approach, a range of other DPMP projects have contributed to building relevant concepts and methods. These projects are:
Implications for policy: I2S aims to provide concepts and methods which will support policy change with a combination improved knowledge (synthesized from relevant disciplines and stakeholder perspectives) and enhanced understanding and management of unknowns.
Implications for research: Future research will be aimed at testing the utility of the theoretical framework which has been developed, as well as strengthening compilations of relevant concepts and methods.
Gabriele Bammer
The ANU