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Objectives: To understand the challenges and benefits of an extensive consultation process relating to the establishment and ongoing funding of a novel, disseminated national research network for infectious disease preparedness. Methods: We used a two-part modified Delphi process to identify and rank factors relating to the consultation process across the different stages of setting up a new research network. Results: Research priorities for the new research network remained the same following consultation with a broad range of stakeholders. Broad networking and the establishment of a nationally recognised preparedness research network were clearly identified as the consultation's key strengths. The need for ongoing management of diverse expectations, particularly between researchers and public health practitioners, are clear challenges. Clarity on the distinct roles of researchers and decision makers are necessary to integrate research into a translational pathway. Researcher expectations for investigator-driven detailed inquiry must be balanced with expectations of routine public health activities and decision making. Conclusions: Consultation had a clear benefit for the development of a complex public health network with a focus on policy translation. Ongoing challenges include managing diverse expectations and recognising the need for continuing relationship management. Understanding the strengths and limitations of consultation to enable ongoing funding should inform the development of further collaborative research networks in multidisciplinary and translational contexts in health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The One Health framework is intended to optimise the interdependent health of humans, animals and ecosystems. It relies on effective collaborations across disciplines, sectors and communities. One Health networks have become increasingly important platforms for encouraging, creating and supporting collaborations. Their success is usually judged by evaluations of their outputs. However, there is also a need to understand member experiences and perceptions of the networks in which they participate. To that end, we undertook the first membership survey of a One Health network that was established in Australia in 2005., Methods: An online membership survey was created, comprising closed and open-ended questions., Results: Around one third of the Regional One Health Partnership ('the Network') participated in the study (33 members). Participants contributed a combined total of 170 years of experience in the Network and 414 years of combined experience working in/on One Health. The Network has provided excellent opportunities for cross sectoral collaboration that would otherwise not have been possible. Findings also highlighted the intangible benefits of membership such as the creation of a collaborative support group for emerging and established One Health practitioners., Conclusions: The Network plays an important role in One Health collaborations in New South Wales and further afield. Commensurate with the literature on One Health collaborations globally, we identified a need for greater diversity amongst members, especially from First Nations people, local communities, non-government organisations and wildlife/environment experts, as well as concerted attempts to identify policy implications. Our membership survey tool could be adapted for future One Health Network membership surveys in Australia and internationally., (© 2023. Crown.)