Are you a lawyer? The role of science and advocacy in shaping U.S. wildlife protection policies

Background/Question/Methods

A growing concern among ecologists about the fate of our natural resources and the state of our ecosystems has spurred an increased interest in the science/policy interface.  Many early-career scientists are searching for ways either to make their research more policy relevant, to engage directly in policy decisions or to identify alternative career paths with a greater application to policy.  For many, however, the world of policy remains a mystery. 

As an ecologist at an environmental advocacy organization, I am often asked what I do for a living.  In this talk I will explain how I use science in a variety of ways to shape or inform policy decisions when it comes to the management of threatened and endangered wildlife in the US.  From publishing in scientific journals, to providing detailed technical comments on policy proposals, to lobbying Congress, I will present a series of examples that demystify and highlight the critical role of ecology in agency and legislative decision making for endangered wildlife.

Scientists, however, need not work for environmental NGOs or government to be able to contribute to the science/policy interface.  In fact, although academic scientists are often at a loss for how to engage with policy making, they are also often the best suited to do so.  By discussing, on the flip-side, the challenges that I have faced as a scientist in an advocacy organization, I will emphasize the important role that scientists can also play from within the ivory tower. 

Results/Conclusions

Ecologists’ specialized knowledge of the natural world makes them well positioned to inform important policies regarding the management of our ecosystems.  Whether through a more policy-oriented career path or a traditional academic position, there are a number of ways that ecologists can contribute to important wildlife policy decisions.