Collaboration is necessary to find solutions to the complex problems surrounding forests, says Safranyik. Initially a lot of our studies involved only one or two scientists. Through time, we have moved to projects with team research. To understand the whys and hows we need to have experts in fields such as pathology, physiology and entomology. We must work with people who can bring the right expertise to the issue.
Partnerships are also a way to survive in a climate of cutbacks.
National and international collaboration with the private sector, governments and universities is essential, says Sterner. Hardy has committed the CFS to act as a partnership-builder. CFS research supports sound policy that protects forests and Canada's forest industry. Hardy remembers when science and policy had little to do with one another. Twenty-five to thirty years ago, scientists had little contact with policy branches of government.