“Science to Inform Decision Making”

Susan M. Cormier, Ph.D., Senior Scientist,
National Center for Environmental Assessment, USEPA

Scientists have access to information that others need.  Not only do we have a grasp of facts that others do not have, but we have the ability to make those facts relevant.  How do we develop and share useful information while also being scientifically rigorous and maintaining our reputation as objective witnesses? First we must continue to be skeptics, but in a productive way. We must be willing to go beyond providing raw facts and associated uncertainties.  We need to use a wider array of information and learn to consider the value of that information. We need to show how the facts fit together and suggest options for a course of action.  As scientists it is our responsibility to remain open to possibility. We need to be aware of where and how we can make a difference and then provide the information at the right time and in the right way so that good science will guide or even compel right actions.  We need to know that what we do matters and that it makes a difference. To that end, I will share with you a way to connect scientific investigations and assessments to resolve environmental problems.  To make it interesting, I will share a few stories of how integrated assessments have made a difference in the real world of environmental protection.