99th ESA Annual Meeting (August 10 -- 15, 2014)

IGN 9

Boundary Organizations: Bridging the Gap Between Science and Policy

Non-profits, foundations, think-tanks, and many other “boundary” groups help connect science, policy, and action. Boundary organizations connect diverse groups by, for example, providing a space where decision-makers, researchers, practitioners, and communities can come together around common interests and contentious issues. These types of organizations and the people that work in them help to translate, communicate, mediate, and produce knowledge. They facilitate relationship-building, collaboration, and information flow not only between diverse disciplines but also between multiple communities including researchers and decision makers. By encouraging and innovating interactions, boundary organizations and individuals spark and facilitate exchanges that can lead to the development of deeper knowledge, understanding, and relationships, particularly in situations characterized by uncertainty and controversy. This IGNITE session will provide an introduction to the concept of boundary organizations and highlight organizations and individuals working to bridge the boundaries with the ecological community. We will also highlight the knowledge and skills needed to be successful as a boundary spanner, from grad school to practitioner.