Pragmatic science? Reflections on the academic - industry interactions in a European aviation research programme

Abstract

In this article we explore the types of science produced and disseminated in human factors research in the cognitive domain. We reflect on the methods and techniques used in the European, Horizon 2020 ‘Future Sky Safety’ Project: Human Performance Envelope (P6). This project has adopted multiple research paradigms, successfully engaging academia and research organizations throughout its four-year duration. We discuss the challenges of conducting practically focused work that can also be brought to publication in peer-reviewed journals. Finally, we frame our research contributions within this project using a recent model of practitioner engagement.