Intsci Moderators: Discussion framework (topics, questions & dates)
1 March 2006
Dear IntSci E-conference participants,
This is a proposed framework with topics, questions and a timetable for the conference, but we will revisit this as the discussion progresses. The questions form guidelines, and these are intended to be thought provoking not constraining.
Topic 1: Understanding the context for Integrated Science and its emerging shape
(Wed 1 Mar - Fri 3 Mar)
- Question 1. Sustainability science, Mode II science, Integrated science…are we using multiple words to describe the same concept or are there real and useful distinctions?
- Question 2. Theory and practice around sustainability science is emerging from often radically different backgrounds (convergent evolution), how do the different trajectories effect the theory and application?
- Question 3. Is this a new and different form of science and do you need new knowledge and skills to practice it?
Topic 2: Practicing Integrated Science
(Sat 4 Mar - Tue Mar 7)
- Question 4.Adaptive management, integrated model development, and many other frameworks for this science are proposed. What kind of relationship between learning and management is at the heart of doing this kind of science?
- Question 5. How can a learning approach help the science/user/policy dialogue?
- Question 6. In Integrated Science, who is doing the learning and what is the role of individual and collective learning?
Topic 3: Linking hard- and soft-researchers in Integrated Science - the people side of things
(Wed 8 Mar - Fri 10 Mar)
- Question 7. What are the commonly understood challenges of linking hard and soft researchers?
- Question 8. What are the novel experiences of trying to link hard and soft researchers?
- Question 9. Where do the benefits and burdens lie in linking hard and soft researchers?
- Question 10. How does the comparative lack of legitimacy of ‘soft research’ methodologies (e.g., action research, appreciative inquiry, participatory evaluation) pose challenges for integrated research and what approaches have been used to legitimise them?)
Topic 4: Evaluating success in integrated research initiatives
(Sat 11 Mar - Tue 14 Mar)
- Question 11. How are people tracking the success of integrated research initiatives?
- Question 12. What frameworks are being used for cross case study analysis?
- Question 13. How mainstream is this type of science? There are many examples but are they just islands of activity?
Wrap-up: So what did we think of it?
(Wed 15 Mar)
- Your high points, pithy summaries and on going questions from the E-conference
We will introduce each topic in its own separate posting as the conference progresses. Each topic will provide 2-3 paragraphs of material to set it in a wider context, and on-line references to additional information for interest will be provided where possible.
best regards
Will Allen, Chrys Horn & Margaret Kilvington
E-mail: intsci-owner@learningforsustainability.net
IntSci conference managers
http://www.landcareresearch.co.nz/research/social/IntSci_info.asp