Rising waters | Rooted solutions
Living Labs: Shaping NFM policy and practice
Tackling natural flood management (NFM) challenges requires fresh perspectives and evidence-based research. That’s why we’ve integrated “Living Labs”.
Positive impacts of Living Labs: Shaping NFM policy and practice
At Ousewem, we believe tackling natural flood management (NFM) challenges requires fresh perspectives and evidence-based research. That’s why we’ve integrated “Living Labs”, open innovation systems where students, academic staff, and project partners collaborate to address real-life challenges. Across various projects, Living Labs have driven real policy changes, delivered practical results, and equipped decision-makers with critical data to support effective NFM strategies.
For policy makers, these projects provide valuable insights that can directly inform regional and national policies. For students, Living Labs offer the chance to work on real-world issues, making a tangible difference through their research while gaining hands-on experience in shaping environmental outcomes.
Why Living Labs matter for policy makers
Nature-based solutions, including NFM, are a growing priority in addressing climate change, but effective solutions often rely on the latest research and innovative approaches. Ousewem’s Living Labs offer an unparalleled opportunity to access cutting-edge, applied research that addresses specific NFM questions.
By partnering with the University of York, Living Labs projects deliver real-world results tailored to the needs of policy makers. Through these projects, students investigate important NbS and NFM questions—whether it’s assessing the impact of leaky barriers on water quality or evaluating the economic benefits of NFM investments. The insights and recommendations from these projects can guide critical decision-making and help bridge knowledge gaps that would otherwise take months or years to resolve internally.
For instance, past Living Lab projects have directly contributed to the development of NFM in the region, through informing communication strategies with stakeholders and highlighting potential funding opportunities. These student-led projects aren’t just academic exercises- they’re designed to provide actionable insights, giving policy makers the tools to shape more effective, evidence-based NFM strategies.
What’s in it for students?
Recent delivery project including leaky dams
For students, Living Labs provide an extraordinary opportunity to engage with real-world problems and contribute to meaningful solutions. They don’t just study theories- they put their knowledge into action by working on complex challenges that directly benefit their project partners. In doing so, students gain invaluable experience that goes beyond the classroom, honing their research skills and making a measurable impact on pressing environmental issues.
With a wide range of NbS and NFM topics available, students from diverse academic backgrounds- environmental science, economics, business, and sustainability- apply their expertise to address the needs of Ousewem’s project partners. This interdisciplinary approach enriches their learning experience, while their work provides the data and analysis needed to inform policy and practice.
Get involved: Collaborate on your next NFM challenge
Join us in shaping the future of NFM. Contact the University of York’s Living Labs team today to explore how your NFM questions can be transformed into impactful research projects.
Interested students are asked to please contact the University of York Living Labs lead, Dr Dean Waters, via email: [email protected].
