Integrating Science with Policy and Society: Lessons from Applied Systems Analysis

Conveners:

Thomas Schinko, Equity and Justice Research Group Leader, International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA)

Barbara Willaarts, Research Scholar, Biodiversity and Natural Resources Program, International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA)

Abstract

The session aims to jointly reflect on how the Science-Policy-Society interface has evolved since IIASA early days and to identify enablers and barriers for impactful transdisciplinary research in the 21st century. Transdisciplinarity is understood to be specific to research projects targeting complex societal issues which require the integration of scientific knowledge and the knowledge held by other societal actors. Transdisciplinary research thus goes beyond integrating stakeholders as research subjects and seeks to foster a discourse, often termed knowledge co-production, towards creating transformative science. The session brings together scientists, funders, policy- and decision-makers, and civil society representatives to discuss their experiences in the development and implementation of transdisciplinary research projects, and what lessons can be learned to improve the scientific and societal impact of research projects.

Speakers:

Settimio Ferlisi, Professor, Geotechnics, University of Salerno, Italy

Nicklas Forsell, Senior Research Scholar, Biodiversity and Natural Resources Program, International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) 

Joanne Linnerooth-Bayer, Emeritus Research Scholar, Population and Just Societies Program, International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) 

Jan Marco Müller, Coordinator, Science Diplomacy and Multilateral Relations, European Commission

Margit Noll, CEO, European Partnership Driving Urban Transitions, Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG), Austria

Luca Pucci, Former Councilor, Environment of the Municipality of Nocera Inferiore, Italy

Till Spranger, Senior Advisor, Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection, Germany

Maria Uhle, Program Director, International Activities, National Science Foundation, USA

Wilfried Winiwarter, Senior Research Scholar, Energy, Climate, and Environment Program, International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA)