Synthesizing Science
Scientific Synthesis
Making science digestible and actionable
Science is an incredible resource for understanding the world. But science doesn’t only teach us about how and why our planet is changing. It also provides a way for us to learn about potential solutions.
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.
Summaries
Elevating the Science of Blue Carbon in Federal Policy
In October 2022, COMPASS and Restore America’s Estuaries brought together blue carbon experts and policy makers in a roundtable discussion to examine the latest science, connect key people working on this issue, consider policy-relevant questions and explore opportunities to advance innovative solutions for blue carbon as part of a holistic and whole ecosystem approach to mitigating climate change.
Exploring the Future of U.S. Aquaculture
In order to help provide research insights on the science related to aquaculture, COMPASS convened a roundtable discussion with scientists and policymakers in July 2019. The Roundtable examined ways that science can inform safe, sustainable, and socially acceptable ocean aquaculture in the United States.
Fishing for Solutions in a Changing Ocean
In May 2018, COMPASS convened experts from the fisheries, marine ecology, social science, policy, law and management fields for a roundtable to explore decision-relevant questions related to changing ocean ecosystems. This summary presents challenges and opportunities identified both at the roundtable and in over 75 conversations with scientists, managers and policy experts.
Counting on Ocean Benefits
In June 2017, COMPASS brought five scientists to Capitol Hill for a science briefing and meetings with congressional and agency staff. This policy brief shares key points and resources from that event, focusing on the links between the ocean, our economy, and human wellbeing.
Shoring Up
In October 2015, COMPASS brought four scientists to Capitol Hill for a science briefing and meetings with congressional and agency staff, in partnership with the American Meteorological Society. shares key points and resources from that event, focusing on the potential of natural infrastructure to enhance the resilience of our nation’s coasts.
Published Articles
INSIGHT: Giving Science a Voice in Public Policy
By Stephen Posner and Nancy Baron. Bloomberg Environment, 2019.
Policy Engagement for Sustainability Leaders
By Stephen Posner. Ch. 10 of Developing Change Agents: Innovative Practices for Sustainability Leadership, 2019.
Boundary-spanning at the science-policy interface: the practitioner’s perspective
Co-authors include Erica Goldman, Heather Mannix, and Stephen Posner. Sustainability Science, 2018.
So You Want to Change the World?
By Nancy Baron. Nature, 2016.
COMPASS: Navigating the Rules of Scientific Engagement
By Brooke Smith and COMPASS staff. PLOS Biology, 2013.
Climate Change Impacts on Marine Ecosystems
Co-authors include Chad English and Heather Galindo. Annual Review of Marine Science, 2012.