Blog
Reflections
Pathways for Change: Working Within, With, and Against Systems
In our work supporting change for the wellbeing of people and nature, we often face systems and practices that weren’t built for us or our goals — or in some cases, were actively designed to work against us. Like the walls of a building, these visible or invisible structures shape the paths we walk, the decisions we make, the resources we have access to, and, u...
Reflections
Transdisciplinary Research: Embedding Communication & Collaboration into the Full Research Cycle
Effective communication is reciprocal. It’s not just about getting your message across; it requires a back-and-forth between parties, where shared understanding and mutual commitments develop as both parties work towards a common goal. That kind of two-way communication is essential not just when research is ready to be shared, but from the very beginning o...
Preparing Science Leaders
Effective Risk Communication: Lessons from Wildfire Science
As climate change intensifies weather patterns, disrupts ecosystems, and endangers human health and infrastructure, the need for effective communication that supports informed action to prevent and respond to risk has never been greater. In response to this growing need, COMPASS and the Federation of American Scientists, in collaboration with Matt Wright of the Ame...
Announcements
Introducing the COMPASS mCDR Communications Leaders Cohort
COMPASS is thrilled to introduce our new COMPASS mCDR Communication Leaders cohort! This group of experts spans disciplines, sectors, geographies, and career stages. From biophysical and social scientists to practitioners in academia, government, nonprofits, and industry, they bring a rich diversity of perspectives essential to understanding the full picture of mar...
Tools & Resources
Spotting Jargon: 4 Types of Jargon to Avoid for Clearer Communication
As scientists and subject matter experts, we often rely on specialized language, or jargon, to communicate with precision and efficiency. And that’s a good thing — when we are communicating within our disciplines. But when we're communicating with people outside our field, that same language can become a barrier.
Research shows that when people don’t under...