Researchers in the environmental sciences are often frustrated because actors involved with
practice do not follow their advice. This is the starting point of this book which describes a
new model for scientific knowledge transfer called RIU for Research Integration and
Utilization. This model sees the factors needed for knowledge transfer as being
state-of-the-art research and the effective practical utilization to which it leads and it
highlights the importance of ¿integration¿ which in this context means the active
bi¿directional selection of those research results that are relevant for practice. In addition
the model underscores the importance of special allies who are powerful actors that support the
application of scientific research results in society. An important product of this approach is
a checklist of factors for successful knowledge transfer that will be useful for scientists. By
using this checklist research projects and research programs can be optimised with regard to
their potential for reaching successful knowledge transfer effects.
