Joint Fact-Finding in Science-Intensive Policy Disputes

When public policies depend on complex scientific data, disputes often stall over conflicting evidence rather than values. Joint Fact-Finding (JFF) offers a structured, collaborative process to build consensus around technical facts. This text-only course guides you through the foundational principles and step-by-step practices of Joint Fact-Finding. You will transition from understanding basic conflict resolution theories to planning and facilitating collaborative scientific inquiries that inform real-world urban and environmental policies. What you'll learn: Understand the core principles and phases of Joint Fact-Finding in policy disputes; Analyze scientific uncertainty and distinguish between technical disagreements and value-based conflicts; Design collaborative research protocols that engage stakeholders, experts, and community members; Facilitate consensus-building meetings to agree on data sources, methodologies, and findings; Integrate modern collaborative tools and digital data-sharing platforms into joint inquiry processes; Apply JFF frameworks to urban planning, environmental regulation, and public health disputes. The course starts with essential terminology and the theoretical roots of collaborative planning. You will then explore practical strategies for stakeholder mapping, expert selection, and structuring joint agreements, concluding with real-world dispute scenarios. Designed for beginners, community advocates, urban planners, and policy students, this course requires no prior experience in dispute resolution or advanced science. Start learning how to bridge the gap between science and policy through collaborative fact-finding today.