Data as a valuable resource

I had the privilege of participating in the professional development workshop on psychological preparedness at our recent joint conference with AFAC. Designed to assist those who are undertaking research field work to better prepare themselves for the experience, the workshop was one of the best I have attended in my time with the Bushfire CRC. I came away with many different insights and practical tips that I plan to incorporate into any future pre-surveying briefings that I deliver.

One thing that really stuck me was the importance of recognising and being focused on the responsibility of being a researcher. The role of a researcher in that situation is to collect information that is valuable and pertinent to the research questions being explored. The most valuable return that we can give to those who are willing to talk to us is to provide quality information  to increase understanding and inform policy and practice.

As I thought about this further, I reflected that the Bushfire CRC research program has collected a wealth of data over not just the past three years, but the last decade. Such data is a valuable resource and we must continue to use it wisely to honour those people who have so generously provide us with their time and experiences.