1. Co-production of scientific understanding – Do we do it? Should we do more? LTER Science Council 14 May 2015 Charley Driscoll, Steve Hamilton, Merryl Alber Nik Heynen, Kathy Lambert

2. What is co-production? Technical experts and other groups in society work together to generate new knowledge (Wikipedia) Not simply outreach – takes place from start to finish of research Potential benefits: – Insights beyond our measurements – Historical context – Increases public participation and acceptance of findings

3. Do we do co-production? Apparently! (not a complete list) Everglades restoration plan (FCE) Phosphorus and lake eutrophication (NTL) Adapting to sea level rise (GCE, PIE, VCR) Climate change and community response (CWT) Climate change and indigenous communities (BNZ) Forest stewardship now and into the future (HFR) Agriculture and ecosystem services (KBS) Willamette River watershed management (AND)

4. Considerations More valuable for some lines of investigation than others Working with stakeholders requires time and patience and communication skills – Not every scientist will be good at this… Our scientific culture can be an impediment – we are accustomed to being the (only) experts! Political perils may arise How do we assess success? How do we get recognized for the effort?

5. Could we do it more and better? Certainly! ASM workshop could showcase successful co-production within and perhaps outside LTER – Nik Heynen can lead it since he left early Co-production may stimulate new collaborative work with social scientists If we interface more with arts and humanities, would that be a new form of co-production?