Researcher profile: Delia Tamsen
How is science used in shaping disaster policy?
Research into natural hazards can help us better understand and prepare for their impacts, but how is research used in shaping disaster policy? Understanding the role of science in policymaking as it currently stands can help shape a future where science plays a greater role in informing important government decisions.
Delia Tamsen
Delia Tamsen studies the interface of science and policy as part of her Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake-funded PhD at Massey University.
Delia has spent most of her career in natural hazards science, starting as a geologist at GNS science and going on to manage Resilience to Nature’s Challenges, one of the National Science Challenges. She’s currently a Senior Advisor in NHC’s research team, helping direct natural hazards research in New Zealand.
For November’s Researcher Profile, we asked Delia Tamsen why she’s passionate about ensuring science has a voice in policy.
Q and A
Tell us about your NHC funded research and why it’s important for New Zealand?
DT: I am studying the interface between science and public policymaking for disaster risk reduction. I’m seeking the perspectives of scientists, policymakers, and people working in knowledge brokering or advisory roles to understand how our scientific knowledge of natural hazard and risk informs policies to reduce disaster risk and increase resilience. Aotearoa faces significant risks from natural hazards and we’re currently in a period of hazard and risk management policy reform. The resilience of the motu is strongly shaped by the policies that are developed and implemented by central and local government. What role can science play in ensuring good outcomes?
What do you like most about your work?
DT: I love having the time and space to pursue my research in depth. After years of quite operational research management mahi, it’s a joy to go down lots of rabbit holes as I read the literature and constantly find new, interesting, ways to think about the topic.
Why is it important to invest in natural hazards research like yours?
DT: The science community has a great deal of valuable knowledge about our natural hazards and risks, and how to manage them in ways that ensure our communities and environments are resilient to disasters. But if that knowledge isn’t making its way into effective public policies for risk reduction and resilience, we won’t achieve the best outcomes for Aotearoa. That’s why it’s important to invest in understand how the interface between science and policy operates, and how we might make improvements.
What is your personal experience with natural disasters, and how has it influenced your research?
DT: I’ve been involved in a few of Aotearoa’s major event responses, including the Canterbury EQ sequence, Kaikōura earthquake, and Cyclone Gabrielle, in a variety of roles from immediate science response to central government science funding. The diversity of those experiences motivated the PhD research – I want to understand more about how, when, and why science is used in policymaking.