The track will focus on 1) sharing the importance and contribution of social science research to flood forecasting and information sharing and 2) enhancing researchers’ ability to effectively communicate and translate their findings to diverse audiences. Participants will explore strategies to align research with audience needs from the outset, ensuring maximum impact and accessibility. Workshops will cover critical skills such as applying cognitive principles to improve how information is interpreted, bridging the gap between complex research findings and public understanding, and tailoring scientific messaging to underserved and vulnerable communities. Attendees will gain practical experience in audience tailoring, inclusive communication strategies, and techniques for simplifying scientific narratives without compromising accuracy. This track is ideal for those looking to expand their reach, foster trust, and create meaningful connections between research and the communities it serves.
Lead: Jill Brown, RTI International
Integrating Social Science with Hydrologic Science
Day 1 Session 1
Kristin Raub
Lakelyn Taylor
Rodrigo Soares
This workshop is the first in a two-part series about social science and science communication in hydrologic science. In this first workshop, participants will learn why it can be advantageous to integrate social science with hydrologic science and how such integration can be conducted (methodologies). These key lessons will be presented through case study examples largely in the context of active CIROH studies. Participants will gain insight into the benefits and strategies of engaging with relevant audiences who may benefit from their research. This workshop will establish a foundation of science communication that will be further explored in Workshop 2: Enhancing Hydrologic Science Communication.
This workshop is the second in a two-part series about co-development and communication in hydrologic science. In this second workshop, participants will learn how to enhance hydrologic communication using strategic, science communication concepts and strategies. Participants will gain insight into key barriers, myths, and ethical considerations associated with science communication and what they mean for communicating hydrology. They will also obtain skills in translating their science for a wide variety of audiences including local communities and media sources. This workshop will expand on the insights from Workshop 1: Integrating the Sciences.
Science-based Strategies to Improve the Design and Accessibility of Forecast Products
Day 2 Session 1
Shubhechchha Sharma
Snehalata Sainjoo
Melissa A. Kenney
In this workshop, participants will learn the five most powerful tips for improving the usability of graphics based on cognitive principles and social science evidence to improve the accessibility of forecast products for a wide range of audiences. Through a guided exercise diagnosing and proposing visualization solutions, the participants will learn how to design more effective data and decision support system products. By the end, attendees will be equipped with practical techniques to improve the usability of data products. This workshop is open to anyone; prior knowledge and access to specific software is not required.
To serve the underserved – Identifying the underserved communities
Day 2 Session 2
Wanyun Shao
Christopher Koliba
Corinne Schuster-Wallace
Social vulnerability reflects how populations can be disproportionately affected by hazards due to their demographic and socioeconomic characteristics. This workshop provides attendees with a hands-on introduction to identifying socially vulnerable populations through the development of a Social Vulnerability Index (SVI). Participants will engage in interactive discussions on the concept of social vulnerability and key variables that contribute to social vulnerability, explore the procedures to construct a social vulnerability index. Attendees will evaluate the methodology and provide feedback, fostering a collaborative learning experience aimed at refining SVI construction techniques.
Human centered design crash course: Keeping users in mind during product development
Day 3 Session 1
Chris Johns
How should you build your tool/product? One approach is to let the needs and preferences of your end users inspire your decision making. This approach, referred to as human- or user-centered design (HCD/UCD), helps ensure that what you build is desirable and usable by the people that you hope will use it. Additionally, it can help foster trust and increase engagement from your intended users.
This workshop will act as an Applied Research Launchpad to take a new research idea and explore how to make it applicable to potential end users. Too often, research that is intended to be applied ends up gathering dust on a shelf. This outcome can be avoided if the research applications, including the measurable impact and value that research will create, are clearly understood before the research begins. This workshop will introduce attendees to business model and value proposition tools that can help transform a research project from simply a clever idea to a business solution that end users are looking for and will use. It will follow the format developed by the Australian Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation to expose participants to the industry research idea pitch, minimum viable products, business models and the value proposition.