Policy Interview Essay

Introduction

Members of the Natural Resources Policy Development Course (FOR 584) taught at the University of Idaho by Professor Jo Ellen Force conducted semi-structured interviews with 16 scientists across various distinct disciplines. The purpose of these interviews was to gauge the perceived role of policy in the scientists’ decision-making processes, research, etc. The interviews were also designed to gauge the perceived roles of scientists in policy and decision-making processes. From these interviews, our team compiled a data summary of the responses, identifying trends and commonalities. Based on these responses, we created a workshop for scientists in the natural resource field to better facilitate science and policy interactions.

Policy was easily identified as having an effect on the day to day work of all the interviewees from how they develop research, to how they collect and analyze data. How their work was affected varied with their position description, but the important insight is that they did associate an affect (Interview #4, FOR 584). Despite the clear influence of policy on the work of the scientists, most of those interviewed did not feel they had a significant role in the development of that policy, other than providing accurate information to policy makers. Most of those interviewed thought that scientists needed the ability to communicate effectively with policy makers, the public, and each other in order to become effective at working with policy makers to develop policy and aide in the management of natural resources. Before feeling comfortable making data-based recommendations to managers and policy makers, the interviewees felt that the quality and certainty of its origin information was of utmost importance (Interview #6, 7, 10, 16, FOR 584). This need for confidence in data quality makes sense, as half the respondents stated that anticipation of policy maker or public opinion about their work has affected their

Although some scientists may feel disconnected from the policy-making process, this training will demonstrate their integral role in policy-making, and how to expand it. Based on the interview results it was clear that natural resource scientists understand the importance of good science in policy development, but are less certain about how to communicate their work effectively and clearly to policy makers. This training was developed in order to address these conclusions and give scientists some practical strategies to use in future communications with natural resource policy makers and managers. Interaction will be important, and attendees will be asked to discuss scientific communication with each other in groups at the beginning of the day, as well as provide feedback on the developing communication tools of the other attendees through-out. The other main element of the workshop will be expert presentations from natural resource policy, and scientific communication professionals. This will help the attendees refine who their audience is and how to tailor their communications to that audience when presenting scientific information. The training will be working towards the goal of each attendee being able to present an effective, concise, and clear elevator speech about their research topic by the end of the