SYMP 9-2
Ecologists accelerating discovery: Ecological synthesis paves the way to transdisciplinary socio-environmental synthesis
Environmental problems are by definition social problems and so it follows that progress towards a future that is sustainable for both the natural world and the people that rely on it requires close collaboration between ecologists and social scientists. It also requires that research problems and methods be framed jointly with those able to implement sustainability actions. Understanding what factors promote successful collaborations among such teams is an active area of research that has only recently been formalized as “the science of team science”. In 2011, the U.S. National Science Foundation funded a national center – the National Socio-Environmental Synthesis Center (SESYNC) – to build capacity to undertake inter- and transdisciplinary research and accelerate team progress in solving critical socio-ecological problems.
Results/Conclusions
This talk will describe: 1) the application of theory and ideas used to design the programs and operational strategy of the center; and 2) mechanisms for evaluating and adapting center processes; and 3) early outcomes from teams of researchers. We highlight the lessons learned that helped to promote productive collaborations and positive team experiences.