Excellent science is underpinned by rigorous, critical and engaged research. The challenges to land management in the coming decades will require the development of advanced tools for working across scientific disciplines and with a range of policy and stakeholder groups. ILUSC is developing a new research methods centre for transdisciplinary, open scientific research. The centre will be a linked virtual and in situ space that provides access to resources, datasets and training to equip a range of stakeholders – including but not limited to scientists – to enabled evidenced-based decision making by and for the land-use sector.
A key opportunity for ILUSC is the development of online engagement opportunities. The movement restrictions during the covid pandemic have led to digital upskilling amongst large segments of the population, and associated technological development. Engaging with research collaborators in virtual space has been normalised and is likely to continue so for the foreseeable future. Hutton has already developed a range of online tools, including the DigiForest, National Assets Inventory and numerous games and mobile phone apps.
