Climate Knowledge Exchange Network

This interactive workshop on the communication of climate change and maximisation of impact considered how Exeter might build a sustained approach towards impact generation through establishment of a new Climate Knowledge Exchange Network and how such a network would function and benefit stakeholders. The final summary report from the workshop can be downloaded from the above link.

The University’s Science Strategy has enabled Exeter to become a World leading centre for Climate Change research in the natural and social sciences, spearheaded by the Climate Change and Sustainable Futures theme. In light of the forthcoming REF 2014 and the increasing emphasis on generating meaningful social and economic impacts from scientific research, this workshop brought together climate researchers and key policy makers to explore the ways in which academic research on climate change can achieve maximum impact, alongside enabling the scientific community to better understand how its research is used by, and communicated to, policy makers, practitioners and publics.

Key objectives

• To discuss the key challenges for the communication of climate change at an interdisciplinary level, aiding pedagogic development in this area.
• To strengthen Exeter’s impact portfolio in the field of climate change to maximise the impact assets for REF 2014 and beyond.
• To build a sustainable approach towards impact generation through establishing an Exeter Climate Knowledge Exchange Network that engages with a broad range of stakeholders.

Presentations

You can download the slides from the workshop here:

• Professor Peter Cox – Introduction to Climate Change and Sustainable Futures
• Dr Ewan Woodley – Outline of the aims and objectives of the workshop; and introductions
• Professor Nick Talbot – An introduction on behalf of the University of Exeter
• Dr Michael Wykes and Dr Helen Featherstone – Research Excellence Framework
• Professor Gareth Shaw – The construction of impact case studies
• Professor Richard Betts – Met Office keynote address on communication of climate change and engaging with climate sceptics
• Dr Saffron O'Neill – Keynote address on challenges in the communication of climate science

Short talks focused on a multidisciplinary exploration of the key challenges faced by climate change researchers: 

• Dr Duncan Russel
• Dr Tim Kurz and Dr Hugo Lambert
• Dr Anna Rabinovich
• Dr Stewart Barr

World Cafe sessions

• Key challenges to climate change communication and impact
• Exploring the nature and establishment of a Climate Knowledge Exchange Network

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