Uncertainty Communication
In the science-policy interface, there is increasing recognition of the importance of explicit attention for uncertainties in knowledge. Several years ago, the Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency (MNP) has commissionned the Department of Science, Technology and Society of the Copernicus Institute (Utrecht University) to develop the "RIVM/MNP Guidance for Uncertainty Assessment and Communication", together with MNP. A group of twenty national and international experts in the area of uncertainties has been involved in the development. The goal of the Guidance is a systematic reflection on uncertainties in assessments. However, it did not yet go into detail on the reporting of uncertainty information. Currently, this issue is being addressed with the development of practical guidance on uncertainty communication (concise "styleguide" and detailed "issues and good practice").
Researchers involved in this project:
The start of this project was a workshop with international experts on uncertainty. Besides this workshop, research included literature study, a survey, and a number of communication experiments in the Utrecht Policy Laboratory. Participants included scientists, students, policymakers, policy advisors, and other stakeholders.
Researchers involved in this project:
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Copernicus Institute, Utrecht University: Dr. Jeroen van der Sluijs Ir. Penny Kloprogge Drs. Arjan Wardekker |
Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency: Dr. Arthur Petersen Dr. Peter Janssen Dr. Mark van Oorschot Drs. Arjan Wardekker
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The start of this project was a workshop with international experts on uncertainty. Besides this workshop, research included literature study, a survey, and a number of communication experiments in the Utrecht Policy Laboratory. Participants included scientists, students, policymakers, policy advisors, and other stakeholders.
Products
Practical Guidance:
- Wardekker, J.A., P. Kloprogge, A.C. Petersen, P.H.M. Janssen, J.P. van der Sluijs (in press). "Styleguide for Uncertainty Communication" [Dutch and English versions]. Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency (MNP), Bilthoven, The Netherlands.
- Kloprogge, P., J.P. van der Sluijs, J.A. Wardekker (2007). "Uncertainty Communication: Issues and Good Practice". Department of Science, Technology and Society, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
- Wardekker, J.A., J.P. van der Sluijs, P.H.M. Janssen, P. Kloprogge, A.C. Petersen (in press). "Uncertainty communication in environmental assessments: views from the Dutch science-policy interface". Environmental Science & Policy, prepublished online 7 July 2008, doi:10.1016/j.envsci.2008.05.005.
- Wardekker, J.A., J.P. van der Sluijs, J.P. (2006). "Evaluatie van Onzekerheidscommunicatie in de Milieubalans 2005" [in Dutch]. Department of Science, Technology and Society, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands, 2006.
- Wardekker, J.A., J.P. van der Sluijs, J.P. (2005). "Report of the Expert Meeting Uncertainty Communication - Hotel Mitland, Utrecht, The Netherlands, 10 December 2004". Department of Science, Technology and Society, Copernicus Institute, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands, 2005.
- Wardekker, J.A., J.P. van der Sluijs, J.P. (2006). "Onzekerheidscommunicatie in de Milieubalans 2005: Resultaten Gebruikerspanel Stakeholders" [in Dutch]. Department of Science, Technology and Society, Copernicus Institute, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
- Wardekker, J.A., J.P. van der Sluijs, J.P. (2006). "Onzekerheidscommunicatie in de Milieubalans 2005: Resultaten Gebruikerspanel Beleidsmakers" [in Dutch]. Department of Science, Technology and Society, Copernicus Institute, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
- Kloprogge, P., J.P. van der Sluijs, J.P. (2006). "Verslag Beleidslabsessie 'Onzekerheidsinformatie in de Milieubalans 2005'" [in Dutch]. Department of Science, Technology and Society, Copernicus Institute, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
- Kloprogge, P., J.P. van der Sluijs, J.P. (2006). "Verslag expert meeting onzekerheidscommunicatie rond fijn stof en gezondheid" [in Dutch]. Department of Science, Technology and Society, Copernicus Institute, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.