NSIDC Cryosphere Seminar

Taking science outside the bubble: Lessons and opportunities in science communication by Twila Moon, Research Scientist at NSIDC  

Cryospheric research delves into many topics of critical importance to society and decision makers, with examples ranging from sea level rise to snowpack, permafrost to infrastructure. But access to that information can be hampered by scientific jargon, paywalls, and a lack of cross-community connections. Through the Study of Environmental Arctic Change (SEARCH) Land Ice Action Team (LIAT), we have been involved in a variety of efforts to synthesize scientific information, get science into the hands of stakeholders, and make connections across new groups. The primary scientific focus has been land ice loss and related sea level rise. Because changes in sea level are critical for decision-makingat the local to state to national level, improving connections between scientists studying ice loss and sea level rise and the stakeholders tasked with planning for sea level rise is critical to ensuring that clear and timely information is shared in usable formats, and that iterative communications between groups is informing science research design and decision-making. Over the last ~5 years, the SEARCH LIAT has endeavored to create and strengthen scientist-stakeholder connections around land ice loss and sea level rise. Efforts have included writing short briefs on the state of scientific knowledge (called Arctic Answers), engaging with members of the United States Congress and their staff, attending and presenting at the National Adaptation Forum, writing science synthesis papers, acting as scientific experts within stakeholder expeditions, and creating a LIAT group that includes scientists and boundary organization representatives. Through these efforts, we have increased our knowledge on best practices and clarified challenges to building and solidifying scientist-stakeholder relationships. In sharing this knowledge, we hope to support new and stronger activities that link scientists and decision makers to increase success and efficiently move science to action.

Note: Paid parking for visitors is available behind Research Lab #2.  If parking is a concern or you work on CU's main campus and you would like to attend, please contact the NSIDC Message Center at 303-492-8028.