Removing barriers to science-informed decision-making through data science and human-centered design

Having policy and regulation be based on the best available scientific evidence is a widely accepted goal, yet relevant knowledge often fails to reach those most in need due to gaps in data accessibility and technological barriers. We share our experience developing tangible, scalable tools that support policymakers, indigenous groups, and land managers in bringing science to the table when decisions are being made. These projects are united by common principles of participatory user-centered design, digital sovereignty, open-source software development, modern data science, and scientific integrity.

Specifically, we present three case studies across different governance scales: 1) At the international level, we discuss interactive decision support tools to facilitate science-based policymaking in the United Nations Montreal Protocol and Global Plastics Treaty. 2) At the national level, we present a stochastic, open-source simulation platform built in collaboration with the U.S. National Park Service. It enables land managers to model vegetation resilience and evaluate post-fire management scenarios under diverse future climate projections. 3) At the local level, we highlight custom-built, co-developed software to monitor cases of Indigenous land return alongside a biodiversity monitoring application for improved land management decision-making by Indigenous communities.

Across these projects, we will discuss lessons learned regarding the challenges of working with partners in highly interdisciplinary environments, how open science principles can be used to support community sovereignty instead of clashing with it, and the creation of resilient services that survive long-term regardless of infrastructure constraints or organizational change.