Blog: Most Recent Posts

November 15, 2012 - 2:26 PM
[WEBINAR] From Lab to Law: Using Science to Shape Public Policy (Switzer Foundation Webinar Series)
Lauren Hertel (2003)

Amy Clipp (2009) gave a webinar for us that offered ideas for bridging the gap between science and policy, with a particular focus on helping scientists apply their work in complex, political environments.

As a starting point, the webinar examined the following questions:

  • What do scientists need to know before they collaborate on high profile policy projects?
  • How can scientists most productively work with diverse stakeholders?
  • How and when should scientists share interim results?

Her stories are based on lessons learned advising the State of Louisiana on its 2012 Coastal Master Plan. For two years, she worked with Rand Corporation, some of the...
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November 1, 2012 - 1:23 PM
Connecting the scientific method to conservation action
Myra Finkelstein (1998)

We are soliciting input and participation from Fellows savvy in communications and outreach to organizations involved in the conservation and management of seabirds. Our project seeks to connect the scientific method to conservation actions, and has high potential to have immediate and significant impact for Laysan albatross (LAAL) and black-footed albatross (BFAL).

Conservation issue. In 2004, Turtle Island Restoration Network, Earthjustice, and the Center for Biological Diversity petitioned the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to list BFAL under the US Endangered Species Act. In response, the USFWS funded an assessment of the status of both LAAL and BFAL...
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October 31, 2012 - 3:44 PM
Environmental Grantmakers Association - building leadership across issues
Lissa Widoff (1992)

Environmental Grantmakers AssociationIn early October, I participated in the annual retreat of the Environmental Grantmakers Association, the professional association for environmental funders in the US. Each year, the retreat offers funders an opportunity to hear from big picture thought leaders and from leaders across broad spectrum of contemporary issues. The topics ranged from local to global, fracking and climate change to marine conservation, toxics reduction and more. I was pleased to have the opportunity to...
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October 31, 2012 - 2:39 PM
Switzer Fall retreats - new fellows, communication skills and networks
Lissa Widoff (1992)

Once again it was thrilling exciting and fun to meet the new 2012 Switzer Fellows, and share leadership lessons, current topics and engage in a deep learning experience about communicating clear messages to different audiences. We are fortunate to have engaged COMPASS to lead our trainings at the east and west coast retreats. While the training builds on work they do for scientists to help them become more adept in reaching out to the press and lay audiences, they have adapted that work to support our fellows in all disciplines. Based on feedback, we are already in discusion with them about offering an...
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