Joint Fact-Finding for Science-Intensive Policy Disputes

Science-intensive policy disputes, such as environmental regulations and land-use planning, often stall due to conflicting technical data and mistrust among stakeholders. This text-based course guides you through the foundational principles and practical applications of Joint Fact-Finding (JFF), a collaborative process that brings together scientists, policymakers, and communities to build consensus on technical facts. What you'll learn: - Understand the core principles of Joint Fact-Finding and collaborative governance - Analyze complex environmental and public policy disputes to identify key stakeholders - Establish shared research questions and agree on scientific methodologies with diverse groups - Facilitate collaborative discussions between technical experts, citizens, and decision-makers - Translate complex scientific data into transparent, accessible public policy recommendations - Apply structured decision-making frameworks to resolve conflicting technical claims You will start with key terminology and foundational concepts of collaborative problem-solving before exploring step-by-step frameworks for structuring JFF processes, managing expert panels, and integrating public values with scientific inquiry. Designed for beginners, public policy enthusiasts, environmental advocates, and community planners, this course requires no prior experience in mediation or policy design. Start reading today to master the art of collaborative consensus-building in science-intensive disputes.