Best Practices in Social-ecological Systems Science

Addressing core issues in social-ecological systems science research hinges on successful integration: across teams, concepts, datasets and approaches. Implicit in this integration is the engagement of communities that have historically been omitted from the process of science, such as policy makers and the public at large. Underlying this is a re-examination of how we ‘teach’ scholarship and how we mentor upcoming generations in their learning. However, no collectively synthesized best practices or ‘toolbox’ exists. In response to this critical gap, 35 of the country’s leading integrative scientists came together in October 2012 to address key challenges related to integrating the social sciences into sustainability science. From 2012-2013, comments and input were solicited from a range of scholars, practitioners, and stakeholders. A set of recommendations forms the body of the workshop report with the intention of forwarding an agenda to support and strengthen social-ecological systems science research.

The final workshop report is titled “Best Practices for Integrating Social Sciences into Social Ecological Systems Science: Future Directions for Building a More Resilient America.”