In response to a perception that massive wildfires were increasing in frequency and negative biological and physical consequences, the Federal Government has sponsored the establishment of the Joint Fire Science Program (see http://www.firescience.gov/). As the name indicates, the program is joint between the U. S. Forest Service, the U. S. Bureau of Land Management, the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U. S. Geological Survey, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. The main objective of the program is support research directed at the critical questions that need to be answered to deal with the problem posed by wildfire and related issues in fire management. It became apparent, however, that making the standard research products available was not sufficient to insure the timely introduction of improved practice in the field. To address this problem, it was decided to fund geographically focused groups dedicated to disseminating the latest research to practitioners, and providing researchers with feedback from those in the field so that research and practice could be harmonized. These "consortia" now cover most the U. S., including Hawaii (but not the Northeast).
In 2011, a group of researchers and practitioners interested in fire in natural ecosystems were successful in obtaining funding for the Tallgrass Prairie and Oak Savanna Fire Science Consortium. I am the Principal Investigator on this project, but from the beginning it was highly collaborative. In addition to the management team, there is an advisory board consisting of researchers and practitioners expert in various aspects of fire ecology and fire management in the region. The persons currently involved in the management team and the advisory board for the consortium, along with other information about it may be found here: http://www.tposfirescience.org/.
There are many opportunities for students and other researchers to participate in the activities of the consortium. Inquiries may be submitted through the website.