This year’s annual ACCESS Assembly was about getting together, discussing key challenges and sparking new networks.
From 14 to 16 June, Exeter University welcomed social scientists from across academia, public and private sectors from Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and England to this year’s Advancing Capacity for Climate Environment Social Science (ACCESS) Assembly.
One of the key themes was – How can we improve the impact social science research has on policy and practice? The keynote speakers were:
- Mari Martiskainen (University of Sussex)
- Beth Brockett (Forest Research) & Carol Morris (University of Nottingham)
- Rosie Hails (National Trust)
- Beth Brockett & Clive Mitchell (NatureScot)
- Nigel Gilbert (University of Surrey)
They all talked about translating, opening up, sharing and working effectively together across all sectors of society.
Over the two days, we also heard about ACCESS’s Guiding Principles and how these might be applied and further developed to make them more useable and accessible. Towards the end of the Assembly we heard about the ACCESS Data Exchange and Climate & Environment Media Monitor and how to get involved.
A key aspect that was highlighted during the discussions to support and promote the impact and value of environmental social science was collaboration and interaction. The Assembly sessions demonstrated the value of bringing together in person a group of people from wide range of backgrounds to engage in stimulating, mutually respectful discussions in order to inspire people, understand each other’s viewpoints and consider how best to take the field forwards.
