What factors influence Environmental Social Science inclusion in policy and practice? ACCESS report
Published on 11 March 2024
This report used information gathered from a survey and interviews (2023) conducted with environmental social scientists in academic and non-academic roles to help build a shared understanding of Environmental Social Science (ESS).
In this report authors Birgitta Gatersleben, George W. Warren, Valentine Seymour, Harry Marshall, and Gerardo A. Torres Contreras determined there are five themes that could influence Environmental Social Science impact on policy and practice in both positive and/or negative ways from the interviews;
- Perceived Value
- Accessibility
- Problem Framing
- Networks
- Timings and Relevance
The report’s recommendations:
- Continue championing the value of ESS, and understanding of what it is, to non-social scientists
in academic institutions and within policy and practice entities. - Ensure that ESS evidence is accessible to social researchers, knowledge brokers and policy
makers in policy-relevant organisations. - When aiming to have specific policy impact, environmental social scientists should consider
undertaking instrumental research, or ensuring that their research agenda aligns with policy and
practice priorities of key stakeholder organisations. - Build networks across the wide gamut of institutions and organisations that have environmental
social scientists or researchers working for them and promote social science through
leadership.
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