Joint Fact Finding in Science-Intensive Policy Disputes

When public policy decisions involve complex scientific data—such as offshore wind farms or urban development projects—disagreements often stall progress. This text-based course introduces Joint Fact Finding (JFF), a collaborative method that helps stakeholders, scientists, and decision-makers agree on the facts before making policy choices. You will transition from understanding basic environmental conflict resolution to confidently facilitating collaborative science-intensive discussions. By examining real-world dynamics, you will learn how to map stakeholders, establish shared research questions, and translate technical data into actionable public policy. What you'll learn: Understand the core principles of Joint Fact Finding and collaborative governance; Map key stakeholders, interest groups, and technical experts for complex public projects; Facilitate agreement on research methodologies and data collection techniques; Translate technical, scientific data into accessible information for non-expert decision-makers; Manage scientific uncertainty and conflicting expert opinions during public disputes; Apply modern consensus-building frameworks to resolve environmental and urban planning deadlocks. This course begins with foundational concepts of public dispute resolution and stakeholder dynamics, then moves step-by-step through the practical phases of planning and executing a Joint Fact Finding process. You will read through detailed case study analyses, structured negotiation scenarios, and practical communication frameworks. This course is designed for beginners in urban planning, environmental policy, public administration, and community advocacy, with no prior experience in mediation required. Start learning how to bridge the gap between science and public policy today.