Enhancing Science Impact

Abstract

Sustainability challenges blur the boundaries between academic disciplines, between research, policy and practice, and between states, markets and society. What do exemplary scientists and organisations do to bridge the gaps between these groups and help their research to make the greatest impact? How do they do it? And how can their best practices be adapted for a diverse range of specific sustainability challenges? Enhancing Science Impact: Bridging Research, Policy and Practice for Sustainability addresses these questions in an accessible and engaging way. It provides principles explaining how research programs can work more effectively across the boundaries between science, society and decision-making by building social and institutional networks. The book suggests useful ways of thinking about a diverse range of problems and then offers five approaches to help embed science in sustainability governance. It will be an indispensable guide for researcher leaders, science program managers and science policy advisers interested in ensuring that applied research can meaningfully contribute to sustainability outcomes.