The enormous attention caused by the catastrophic events in Blatten triggered a remarkably intense interaction between academic and practice-oriented actors. This contribution reflects on how the connection between researchers and local, cantonal, and federal actors was established in the immediate aftermath and how the collaboration evolved as priorities shifted from crisis response to structured investigation. An overview will be provided of the diverse field investigations that were performed under the lead of ETH Zurich, and how these data are meant to be integrated into what is envisioned to become an overarching Blatten Data Cube – a digital repository in support to both scientific follow-up studies and applied risk assessments. The presentation will also address what science and academia can realistically contribute during potential, future “Blatten-type” events, highlighting lessons for preparedness, monitoring strategies, and general communication.