Abstract ID: 3.18727 | Accepted as Talk | Talk/Oral | TBA | TBA

Integrated research on natural hazards (NH) and disaster risk (DR) increasingly calls for the participation of non-academic actors. However, choices regarding what, where, and how research is conducted— particularly in relation to the involvement of non-academic actors —significantly shape the type, quality, and impact of knowledge produced. These methodological decisions have critical implications for ensuring both scientific rigor and societal relevance, particularly in mountain regions where local knowledge and stakeholder engagement are essential. This study investigates how non-academic actors contribute to NH/DR research in Nepal, examining their roles, the methods used to engage them, and the impacts generated through their participation. In a first step, a review of primary NH/DR research studies (2000–2022) provides a foundation for analyzing the extent and nature of non-academic actor involvement, including variations in participatory approaches. Building on this, exploratory interviews offer further perspectives on methodological choices, ethical considerations, the expectations and challenges associated with engagement, and the perceived impacts of involvement. Through these analyses, I explore who is involved in NH/DR research and how participation strategies influence knowledge production, shaping both research processes and outputs. While participatory methodologies facilitate collaboration between academic and non-academic actors, ensuring meaningful engagement remains challenging due to barriers such as power imbalances, ethical concerns, and difficulties in integrating diverse knowledge systems. The study highlights the ways in which participation can enhance research impact, particularly in informing policy and practice, but also underscores the need for reflexive approaches that account for unintended consequences such as research fatigue and inequitable distribution of benefits. By critically assessing these dynamics, the study contributes to discussions into best practices for collaboration and participatory approaches, providing insights to enhance research-policy-practice linkages in NH/DR research.