Science Relevancy and Research Translation Supporting Environmental Health Decisions

John J. Barich, III , U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Environmental decision-making is based on some combination of relevant science, policy, resources, and increasingly public involvement. Relevant science derives from an assessment of user-driven needs, the application of technology forecasting, and the insights and inspiration of talented and incisive scientists. Each is important and yields useful information to both science sponsors and science producers. Relevant science has the potential to be the benchmark from which the effectiveness of decisions is measured. It has the potential to inform policy, to assure that resources are deployed efficiently, and through education to enhance public involvement. Research translation begins with relevant science. The goal is clear – better decisions. The techniques are dependent on the science process or product and the context in which the science will be applied. Case studies illustrate typical ways by which research translation is achieved. An often overlooked actualization of research translation is the placement of graduates in institutes and organizations where environmental health decisions are made; although difficult to measure, the steady enhancement of the environmental health work force may be one of the most effective contributions of research translation.

( barich.john@epa.gov, USEPA, 1200 Sixth Ave. , Seattle , WA 98101 )