Becoming an Actionable Scientist: Challenges, Competency, and the Development of Expertise.

Area of Science:

• Environmental science
• Climate change science
• Decision science

Background:

• Growing demand for actionable science in environmental management.
• Limited understanding of competencies needed for actionable science.
• Need for effective training strategies for actionable scientists.

Purpose of the Study:

• Empirically identify competencies for producing actionable science.
• Understand how scientists develop these competencies.
• Inform training and development of actionable scientists.

Main Methods:

• Interviews with mid- and late-career scientists.
• Qualitative analysis of interview data.
• Identification and categorization of 18 key competencies.

Main Results:

• Identified 18 competencies (cognitive, interpersonal, intrapersonal) crucial for actionable science.
• Expertise develops through active engagement and "learning by doing".
• Importance of diverse learning contexts, interactions, and relationships highlighted.

Conclusions:

• Actionable science expertise is built through social processes and practical experience.
• Findings provide a framework for conscious development of actionable science skills.
• Results can guide formal and informal learning for scientists in environmental fields.