Improving scientific impact: How to practice science that influences environmental policy and management

• Published in: Conservation science and practice 2020-07, Vol.2 (7), p.n/a
• Main Authors: Fisher, Jonathan R. B., Wood, Stephen A., Bradford, Mark A., Kelsey, Thomas Rodd
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: applied science; Audiences; Best management practices; Decision making; Environmental management; Environmental policy; evidence; Objectives; research impact; Resource management; Science; science communication; Scientists; stakeholder engagement
• ISSN: 2578-4854; 2578-4854
• DOI: 10.1111/csp2.210

Scientists devote substantial time and resources to research intended to help solve environmental problems. Environmental managers and policymakers must decide how to use the best available research evidence to prioritize actions leading to desired environmental outcomes. Yet decision‐makers can face barriers to using scientific evidence to inform action. They may be unaware of the evidence, lack access to it, not understand it, or view it as irrelevant. These barriers mean a valuable resource (evidence) is underused. We outline a set of practical steps for scientists who want to improve the impact their research has on decision‐making: (a) identify and understand the audience; (b) clarify the need for evidence; (c) gather “just enough” evidence; and (d) share and discuss the evidence. These are guidelines, not a strict recipe for success. But, we believe that regularly following these recommendations should increase the chance of scientific evidence being considered and used in environmental decision‐making. Our goal is for this article to be accessible to anyone, rather than a comprehensive review of the topic.