Translational research is increasingly advocated for solving today’s social and ecological sustainability challenges. At its core, translational research involves diverse experts and stakeholders working together to tackle complex problems through solutions-oriented research. Co-production of knowledge by experts, stakeholders, and decision-makers is perceived as better able to address real-world problems and inform decision-making. Knowledge produced this way is expected to be more salient and legitimate for decision-making, ensuring a greater impact for scientists’ work. Given most sustainability challenges are embedded within coupled human and natural systems, translational research must embrace transdisciplinarity, or involving researchers from multiple disciplines, including social scientists. The purpose of this talk is to contribute a social scientist’s perspective to this endeavor and identify lessons for improving translational research. The speaker will draw on her applied social science research working with ecologists and other biophysical scientists at the University of Maine, where key investments and institutional support have created a laboratory to implement and study translational research.
Results/Conclusions
After summarizing notable attempts at translational research to inform marine environmental decision-making in Maine, the presentation will reflect on patterns observed and lessons learned. Reflecting on how social science can inform and be informed by work with biophysical scientists, the presentation highlights key lessons for biophysical scientists wishing to engage with social scientists (and vice versa). Consistent with a large body of literature, this talk underscores the fact that research across biophysical and social science boundaries – as well as across boundaries between certified and non-certified experts - is inherently difficult, while finding integration of social and biophysical research data is often tenuous at best. While goal-worthy, such approaches can make scientists uncomfortable and impair the perceived credibility of their work. Focused effort is needed to promote trust, engender mutual respect, and enhance cross-boundary dialogue. Scientists from all disciplines are advised to pay attention to power dynamics, communication patterns, and institutional constraints, all of which require visibility as they can significantly impact outcomes of translational research. If we are to advance translational research and reap promised gains from such efforts, we must recognize and confront these challenges.