Supporting Leaders In Action

Convening for Solutions

Bringing the right people together to advance solutions

We bring scientists together to build a systems-wide understanding of an issue, develop communication frames, and identify opportunities for action. We then connect them with members of affected communities in order to co-create a range of possible solutions.

Learn about our engagement work

“

Having someone with a critical eye who knows the science but also how things work on Capitol Hill, someone who can say ‘that’s too much jargon’ or explain the proposed legislation or the constraints—that’s an invaluable service that COMPASS provides.

~ Dr. Scott Doney, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute

Scientific Synthesis

Making sense out of science

The breadth and depth of our network puts us at the nexus of science, communication, and policy, enabling us to spot trends and opportunities. We evaluate the current state of science, research, and practice in partnership with the scientists doing the work, and share it in accessible and understandable ways with the people who need it.

Learn more about issues we’ve tackled

Bridging Communities

Working with journalists, policymakers, & community leaders

Our work with scientists is enhanced by our deep networks beyond the scientific community. We create opportunities to bring policymakers, journalists, and community leaders into spaces with scientists, crafting events and interactions that enhance relationship-building across boundaries and facilitate learning from one another.

How we work together

Leadership in Action

How a Video of a Wolf Became a Global Story — and What It Reveals About Preparation, Purpose, and Partnerships

When Dr. Kyle Artelle and his team reviewed footage from a field camera and saw a wolf pulling crab traps out of the water with remarkable purpose and efficiency, they instantly recognized its significance. What they didn’t expect was that it would be picked up by a number of major outlets including The New York Times, The Washington Post, National Geographic, Th...Read more
Announcements

COMPASS Welcomes Emily Patrolia as New Board Chair

We’re thrilled to announce that Emily Patrolia, Founder and CEO of ESP Advisors, has been elected to serve as the next Chair of the Board of Directors. Emily founded ESP Advisors in 2020 to elevate ocean and environmental priorities, drawing on her extensive background across federal policymaking, strategic advocacy, and environmental science. Through her lead...Read more
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...Read more
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...Read more

Scientists Changing the World 

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Introducing the COMPASS mCDR Communications Leaders Cohort

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...

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