*SAVE THE DATE: YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS THIS*
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* The Section Business meeting of the AAAS Section on Social,
Economic, and Political Sciences (Section K) will be held via Zoom on
Thursday February 10, from 2:30 4:30 p.m. EST (starting 1:30 CST, 12:30
MST 11:30 PST). If you are interested in the intersection between the
social sciences, public policy, and what social scientists can expect
from the Biden administration, you will not want to miss this meeting.
Featured speakers are: Alondra Nelson, Deputy Director for Science and
Society, White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, Wendy
Naus, the Executive Director of the Consortium of Social Science
Organizations, and John Abowd, the Associate Director and Chief
Scientist in the Research and Methodology Directorate of the U.S. Census
Bureau. Together, they will give us a broad perspective on policy
issues relating to the social sciences and the role of and outlook for
the social sciences during the Biden administration. A full agenda
will be sent shortly. *
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* The interdisciplinary character of the AAAS annual meeting make it
one of the most interesting meetings that a scientist or citizen,
concerned with science, can attend. Section members are encouraged to
register for the annual meeting and to take in whatever talks most
interest you. However, you do not have to be registered for the meeting
to attend the Section K Business meeting. Information about how to
attend will be included in a message closer to the time of the meeting.
People also do not have to be Section K members to attend the Section
K Business meeting. If you know an AAAS member who is not in Section ,
and may be interested in our upcoming Business meeting, please share
this message with them.*
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* Rick Lempert, Secretary, Section K*
* Mary Frank Fox, Steering Group Chair, Section K*
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Developing crossdisciplinary teams with mutual learning is described by Eric Schearer & Gemma Jiang in their blog post at https://i2insights.org/2022/02/01/developing-cross-disciplinary-teams/. Their case study 1) uses individual coaching to move leader from "lone ranger" to "mutual learning" mindset, 2) structures process & design to think about communication, facilitation & involving networks, 3) uses developmental facilitation to shift team culture to building relationships & learning plus using useful tools.
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Professor Gabriele Bammer
National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health
ANU College of Health and Medicine
The Australian National University
62 Mills Road
Acton ACT 2601
Australia
+61 2 6125 0716
Gabriele.Bammer(a)anu.edu.au<mailto:Gabriele.Bammer@anu.edu.au>
@GabrieleBammer
http://i2s.anu.edu.au<http://www.anu.edu.au/iisn>
http://i2Insights.org<http://i2insights.org/>
CRICOS Provider # 00120C
===================================================
Dear Science of Science community,
UNC’s Institute for Convergent Science is hiring an Associate Director to implement innovation programs and support teams of faculty inventors as they move ideas from basic research into applied and translational outcomes. Please circulate this posting widely to anyone who may be interested.
https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/220122<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/220122__;!…>
Thanks!
Erin
Associate Director, Institute for Convergent Science
Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit:
The mission of the Institute of Convergent Science (ICS) is to support the journey from innovative idea to transformational product, technology or solution through a problem-centered approach that draws together innovators from a large span of disciplines to address real-world issues. Located in Carolina’s premier science research facility, the UNC Genome Sciences Building, ICS brings the very best commercialization process to the University’s more than $1.15 billion research enterprise.
ICS will provide a new Innovation Framework based on a convergent approach to problem-solving, developing new technologies and de-risking to ensure the fastest, most successful path to commercialization. ICS is implementing a three-lane innovation framework that will enhance the process of transition from ideas to successful companies: Convergence, which occurs in a creative and programmable commons; Pre-commercial demonstration, which happens in dedicated research space with teams supported by ICS funding and the guidance and support of on-site innovation experts; and Commercial launch, which can be supported by leased space in Innovate Carolina’s Kickstart Accelerator. By redefining the journey from idea to proof of concept to market, ICS will enable research teams to focus on solving the problems at hand collectively at one central hub with the infrastructure, lab space, expertise and funding needed to drive breakthroughs and create exceptional outcomes.
Position Summary:
The UNC Institute for Convergent Sciences (ICS) seeks an Associate Director who will work closely with the Faculty Director to oversee administrative, operational, and managerial functions and implement university-wide programs that support teams of imaginative inventors as they move ideas from basic research into transformative applications. The Associate Director will set strategy for responsibly managing the budget and for advancing the long-term financial sustainability of the Institute, in close collaboration with the Faculty Director. The position will also assist the Faculty Director in developing and optimizing the staffing plan as the Institute grows. The Associate Director will have the support of the HR and Finance Service Centers to implement financial and staffing plans.
In collaboration with the Director for Programs and Grants, the Associate Director will help implement new programs for funding pre-commercial research and will contribute intellectually and logistically to the submission of proposals for grant funding to federal and state agencies, corporations, and private foundations. Assisted by communications staff and working closely with the Faculty Director of Communications (to be hired), the Associate Director will develop and implement communication strategies to establish ICS as a hub for innovation and help build pathways and playbooks for teams to navigate the conflicts of interest and commitment that arise in commercialization and translation. The Associate Director will also help select, manage, and support teams composed of faculty, students, project managers, and innovation postdoctoral fellows. This position will supervise the NIMBLE Lab Manager position (0.5 FTE).
As ICS builds its strategic advisory board and roster of external innovation experts, the Associate Director will help manage the interface between these external partners and the ICS leadership team and will implement and put into operation the recommendations of the Board. Consistent with UNC’s strategic plan Carolina Next: Innovations for Public Good, ICS is helping to build a culture of innovation across UNCs schools, programs, and centers. The Associate Director will develop and nurture relationships with Deans, Vice Chancellors, Department Chairs, and Faculty across the entire university. Strong interpersonal skills and experience working in an academic environment are required. Because ICS is in its start-up phase, the ideal candidate will have flexibility to work outside the formal job duties when an all-hands approach to building the Institute or its programming is required.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:
Relevant post-Baccalaureate degree required (or foreign degree equivalent); for candidates demonstrating comparable independent research productivity, will accept a relevant Bachelor’s degree (or foreign degree equivalent) and 3 or more years of relevant experience in substitution. May require terminal degree and licensure.
Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience:
The successful candidate will have a scientific/technical background, have a sophisticated understanding of the role and importance of research in a modern, entrepreneurial, research-intensive university, have experience working with faculty in higher education settings, possess outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, excel both as a leader and a team member, and have a record of proven managerial success. The individual in this position must be skilled at translating nascent ideas and concepts into concrete, actionable plans and must be capable of operating under conditions of ambiguity.
Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience:
A doctorate degree is highly preferred.
Erin Hopper, PhD
she/her/hers
Director for Programs and Grants
THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHAPEL HILL
INSTITUTE FOR CONVERGENT SCIENCE
919.604.6775
erin.hopper(a)unc.edu<mailto:erin.hopper@unc.edu>
[The Ohio State University]
Caroline S. Wagner, PhD
John Glenn College of Public Affairs
Battelle Center for Science & Engineering Policy
Page Hall 210U, 1810 College Road N, Columbus, OH 43210
6142927791 Office / 614-206-8636 Mobile
http://glenn.osu.edu/glenn-100 -
Strategies to embed transdisciplinary research & education in post-Soviet systems are discussed by Tigran Keryan and Tamara Mitrofanenko in their blog post at https://i2insights.org/2022/01/25/transdisciplinarity-in-post-soviet-countr…. They are: 1) encourage universities to play a societal role (societies are ready), 2) adapt academic systems so that less top-down, hierarchical & unquestioning, 3) make transdisciplinarity achievable practically eg ↓ teaching loads, ↑ admin support, 4) improve governance, esp ↓ political instability & ↑ university - decision maker cooperation, 5) boost local knowledge with international experience & start small with projects or courses.
===================================================
Professor Gabriele Bammer
National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health
ANU College of Health and Medicine
The Australian National University
62 Mills Road
Acton ACT 2601
Australia
+61 2 6125 0716
Gabriele.Bammer(a)anu.edu.au<mailto:Gabriele.Bammer@anu.edu.au>
@GabrieleBammer
http://i2s.anu.edu.au<http://www.anu.edu.au/iisn>
http://i2Insights.org<http://i2insights.org/>
CRICOS Provider # 00120C
===================================================
What effective group decisions on complex problems require (and how system dynamics can help) is laid out by George Richardson & David Andersen in their revisited blog post at https://i2insights.org/2019/07/30/thought-patterns-for-group-decisions/. Key issues are: 1) thinking dynamically 2) thinking in stocks (accumulations) & flows (rates of change) 3) thinking in feedback loops 4) thinking endogenously 5) combining social facilitation involving stakeholders with technical modelling & analysis to move from baseline knowledge to informed insights about future directions.
===================================================
Professor Gabriele Bammer
National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health
ANU College of Health and Medicine
The Australian National University
62 Mills Road
Acton ACT 2601
Australia
+61 2 6125 0716
Gabriele.Bammer(a)anu.edu.au<mailto:Gabriele.Bammer@anu.edu.au>
@GabrieleBammer
http://i2s.anu.edu.au<http://www.anu.edu.au/iisn>
http://i2Insights.org<http://i2insights.org/>
CRICOS Provider # 00120C
===================================================
How to set up a successful transdisciplinary real-world lab is described by Niko Schäpke, Oskar Marg, Matthias Bergmann, Franziska Stelzer and Daniel Lang in their blog post at https://i2insights.org/2022/01/18/success-for-transdisciplinary-real-world-…. Key issues are: 1) right balance between scientific & social goals, 2) needs, interests, restrictions of participants to be addressed, 3) active use of experiments, 4) proactive communication, 5) collaboration culture between science & society, 6) attachment to a locality eg neighbourhood, street, building, 7) creation of lasting impact & transferability, 8) sufficient time & money, 9) preparedness to adapt when circumstances change, 10) learning opportunities for everyone involves and 11) consideration of dependence on external factors eg local politics.
===================================================
Professor Gabriele Bammer
National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health
ANU College of Health and Medicine
The Australian National University
62 Mills Road
Acton ACT 2601
Australia
+61 2 6125 0716
Gabriele.Bammer(a)anu.edu.au<mailto:Gabriele.Bammer@anu.edu.au>
@GabrieleBammer
http://i2s.anu.edu.au<http://www.anu.edu.au/iisn>
http://i2Insights.org<http://i2insights.org/>
CRICOS Provider # 00120C
===================================================
The how, why and so what of research impact goals not matching outcomes are discussed by Denis Karcher and Chris Cvitanovic in their blog post at https://i2insights.org/2022/01/11/research-impact-goals-and-outcomes/. How includes that more likely to raise awareness & write reports than achieve long-term influence on policy or even inform policy. Why includes that ambitious goals may be more likely to get funded & time spans to measure outcomes may not be long enough. So what includes: 1) practical consequences so that planning for impact continues to be too narrow & misses full range of potential benefits, 2) academic consequences so that broader metrics are needed to monitor & measure full spectrum of impacts and 3) personal consequences so that academic reward systems need to acknowledge full diversity of impacts.
===================================================
Professor Gabriele Bammer
National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health
ANU College of Health and Medicine
The Australian National University
62 Mills Road
Acton ACT 2601
Australia
+61 2 6125 0716
Gabriele.Bammer(a)anu.edu.au<mailto:Gabriele.Bammer@anu.edu.au>
@GabrieleBammer
http://i2s.anu.edu.au<http://www.anu.edu.au/iisn>
http://i2Insights.org<http://i2insights.org/>
CRICOS Provider # 00120C
===================================================
Hi all,
Our department will begin reviewing applications for this position on Jan. 15th. Please circulate to anyone who might be interested, or any of your networks.
Best
Karen
https://jobs.gmu.edu/postings/51568
Assistant Professor, Environmental Policy & Politics (Tenure-Track)
George Mason University's Department of Environmental Science and Policy (ESP) in the College of Science is seeking an enthusiastic and energetic individual for a full-time, 9-month, tenure-track position as Assistant Professor of Environmental Policy & Politics beginning in August 2022.
George Mason University, a Carnegie Research I institution, is the largest, most diverse, and innovative public university in Virginia with more than 38,000 students from all 50 states and over 135 countries. Located in Fairfax, Virginia, Mason is part of the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, offering easy access to the scientific and political resources of the nation's capital. Mason has a strong institutional commitment to the achievement of excellence and diversity among its faculty and staff, and it strongly encourages candidates to apply who will enrich Mason's academic and culturally inclusive environment.
Responsibilities:
This position will strengthen departmental expertise on domestic U.S. environmental policy and politics in relationship to one or more of the following focal areas: water and watersheds, planetary health, conservation, climate change and energy, and environmental justice. Candidates with strong research and teaching capacity in quantitative methodologies, such as data analytics, agent-based modeling, and social network analysis, are especially encouraged to apply. The successful candidate will be expected to establish a strong extramurally funded research program and provide mentorship to students in the department's undergraduate, master's, and doctoral programs. This position aligns with ESP's focus on boundary-spanning and co-production of knowledge across science, policy, and society. As such, the candidate is expected to contribute to George Mason University's commitment to transdisciplinary research. We especially encourage submissions from researchers who have experience engaging local, state, or federal policy systems to support and bring about changes that improve environmental or sustainability outcomes. The expected teaching responsibility for this position is two courses per semester. Service activities within ESP and the College of Science are expected.
Preference will be given to candidates who express an interest in expanding collaborative efforts such as the growing partnership between ESP and the Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation, partnering with the Institute for a Sustainable Earth (ISE), furthering the department's own initiatives in conservation and sustainability, and building new partnerships to develop transdisciplinary projects.
Required Qualifications:
* Successful completion of a Ph.D. in political science, public policy, public administration, or a related field prior to the first day of the appointment;
* Demonstrated expertise in quantitative social science methods;
* The ability to share the department's commitment to transdisciplinary education and research;
* An established record of scholarly activity demonstrated by publication record in peer-reviewed journals;
* Demonstrated potential to establish an independent extramurally funded research program;
* Commitment and interest in teaching lecture courses at undergraduate and graduate levels;
* Strong commitment to mentoring and supervising undergraduate and graduate students;
* Effective interpersonal communication skills;
* The ability to collaborate with other natural scientists and social scientists in research, teaching and outreach.
Preferred Qualifications:
* Demonstrated experience in developing successful externally-funded research collaborations;
* A record of seeking and securing extramural research support evidenced by proposal submission and/or recipient of funding awards;
* Demonstrated successful teamwork in a collaborative environment.
About us:
ESP is well known for its truly transdisciplinary faculty focused on environmental natural and social sciences. ESP also includes additional graduate program faculty from across the university and numerous affiliated environmental professionals. The following degrees are awarded: B.S. in Environmental Science, B.A. in Environmental and Sustainability Studies, M.S. in Environmental Science and Policy, and a Ph.D. in Environmental Science and Public Policy. The Department also partners with the Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation in Front Royal, VA, to offer graduate level courses in biodiversity and conservation. Mason's Institute for a Sustainable Earth (ISE) provides a unique opportunity for the selected candidate to work in a collaborative manner across disciplines at Mason and with external partners nationally and internationally.
For more information about the department, visit us online at: https://science.gmu.edu/academics/departments-units/environmental-science-p…
For more information about the College of Science, visit: https://science.gmu.edu/
For more information about the Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation, visit https://smconservation.gmu.edu/
For more information about the Institute for a Sustainable Earth (ISE), visit https://ise.gmu.edu/
Karen Akerlof, PhD
Assistant Professor, Science Communication for Environmental Decision-Making and Policy
George Mason University
Department of Environmental Science and Policy
David King 3032
4400 University Dr., MS 5F2
Fairfax, VA 22030
(o) 703-993-7069 | (c) 703-282-1289 | kakerlof(a)gmu.edu<mailto:kakerlof@gmu.edu> | Twitter @karenakerlof<https://twitter.com/KarenAkerlof>