A case study in documenting impact in research
C. SMART (1). (1) Cornell University, Geneva, NY, U.S.A.
From small grower-funded projects to large multi-state initiatives, assessing impact is critical. Most scientists are well versed in articulating goals, objectives and hypotheses but were never trained to write in terms of outputs, outcomes, impacts or logic models. Documenting the impact of a research project can be challenging particularly since it may take many years for a study to be completed and applied to a field situation. Pathogen population surveys, which can be part of larger epidemiology studies, are one area of research that can provide information to growers and have a noticeable impact within a relatively short period of time. My lab has performed pathogen surveys, using DNA fingerprint methods to type isolates from fairly small-scale outbreaks of bacterial canker of tomato and black rot of cabbage over several seasons. Results from these projects were immediately available to growers with a 95-100% modification of practices based on results. We have also completed a state-wide survey of the Phytophthora blight pathogen with variable impact on grower practices and economic outcomes. Lastly, current research as part of a large multi-state project is focusing on reducing losses to late blight on tomato and potato. We are working to improve methods used to assess and document impact of grower communication, use of a decision support system, and the overall economic impact of the project.
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