Revisiting the Pasteur Quadrant, Post-normal Science and Strategies for Research on Natural Hazards and Disasters

Abstract

The paper reviews two paradigmatic research strategy models: a) The Linear Research Model; a lineal onedimensional plane model; comprising basic research at one end and applied research at the other and using the maxima that “applied research invariably drives out from pure research”. b) The Quadrant Model of
Scientific Research; a two dimensional Cartesian plane model [1] characterizing four research quadrants: i) The Bohr´s Quadrant, where the quest for fundamental understanding is high, but no so regarding apply research. ii) The Pasteur´s Quadrant, where both the quest for understanding and consideration for use of the information are high (“Use-Inspired Basic Research or Mission  oriented Research Quadrant”). iii) The Edison´s Quadrant, where the quest for fundamental research is rather low and there is high consideration for use of the information. iv) The Empty Quadrant, where there is no considerations either
for developing fundamental knowledge or for use. It is argued that research planning dealing with natural hazards and mitigation of disasters (particularly in the developing world) has to consider the use of Stokes´quadrants and particularly focus in the Pasteur´s Quadrant. Looking into comprehensive research and the conformation of high level inter-disciplinary teams, long term financing schemes and pointing towards the implementation of Post-normal science strategies, where the dissemination of knowledge and education to society and the use of local knowledge, are critical aspects. Finally, the case of the 2010 devastating earthquake and tsunami in Chile is used as an example where the existence of just outstanding Normalscience knowledge (i.e Bohr´s Quadrant) was not enough to confront it.

Developing countries need to invest in team-organized and modern planned research regarding their own natural hazard and disaster priorities.

NOTE: this ms was preliminary published, including comments and oral discussion, in the Actes de la Session Pleniere Solennelle of the Academie Hassan II des Sciences et Techniques, 2013: 277-288. This paper contains most of the above material (-the oral discussion was deleted-) and the manuscript was improved for publication in Frontiers in Science and Engineering.