Abstract

Over the last two decades, scientific effort has begun to shift from research for fundamental understanding toward research that supports action. Dr. Pamela Matson will discuss how “science to action” has evolved in the context of current global environmental changes and sustainability challenges. While scientists and professional societies have recognized the need for science to help solve pressing societal problems, their engagement in problem solving has had only limited success, especially at the global scale. Drawing on her own research and that of others, Dr. Matson will discuss some crucial characteristics of research that effectively links “science to action,” and practices for extending solutions to scales that matter.

Professor Matson is the Tellus Mater Distinguished Fellow 2018/19