Multidisciplinary science combines several disciplines within the physical, natural, and social sciences. To solve societal problems requires that we combine the disciplinary parts into a more holistic, multidisciplinary science that creates something larger than its individual pieces. In this seminar, I will present my research focused on the integration of uncertain scientific information and societal values to support complex environmental policymaking. Inspired by current environmental problems, I will present three case examples focused on design of climate indicators and information systems to support adaptation and mitigation decisions, identifying optimal restoration options, and setting environmental standards. These cases integrate decison and policy analysis, water resources and global change science, and socio-environmental synthesis. The results of this integration support evidence-based decision-making by identifying cost-effective and societally acceptable options for private and public sector decisions, by co-producing research with scientists and stakeholders, and by understanding effective science translation mechanisms to increase uptake of such information in decision processes. Thus, the next wave of major scientific contributions will necessarily move away from competitive single investigator disciplinary insights to multidisciplinary collaboration – embracing unique combinations of qualitative and quantitative methods, new technologies, and modes of communication.

Dr. Melissa Kenney is a Research Assistant Professor in Environmental Decision Analysis and Indicators at the University of Maryland, Earth System Science Interdisciplinary Center (ESSIC) and Cooperative Institute for Climate and Satellites - Maryland. She received a B.A. with Distinction in Environmental Sciences from the University of Virginia and a Ph.D. in Water Quality Modeling and Decision Analysis from the Nicholas School of the Environment at Duke University. She held a postdoctoral scholar position with the NSF National Center for Earth-surface Dynamics at The Johns Hopkins University.

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