At the North Central Climate Adaptation Science Center (NC CASC), actionable science is at the heart of our mission. Defined as science that is relevant and useful, actionable science is the foundation for building climate resilience across our region.

The Actionable Science Working Group is a collaborative effort led by NC CASC faculty at the University of Colorado Boulder that brings together Principal Investigators (PIs) from each of the NC CASC consortium partner institutions (South Dakota State University, The Great Plains Tribal Water Alliance, Colorado State University, The Nature Conservancy, the University of Wyoming, and the University of Montana) to foster mutual support and accountability in advancing actionable science. This year, the group plans to delve into critical aspects of actionable science, exploring questions like:

• Who will use this science, and how can their needs shape the research?
• What is the best frequency and method of engaging with stakeholders?
• How can research outputs be made more practical and usable?
• What are the barriers to implementing research on the ground, and how can they be addressed?

These themes will also take center stage during the consortium’s annual in-person meeting in August, fostering a deeper collective understanding of the process of transforming research into real-world impact.

Beyond supporting improved practices across the NC CASC consortium, the Actionable Science Working Group doubles as a “natural laboratory” for exploring how to bridge the gap between climate adaptation research and tangible, on-the-ground outcomes.

The plan is to assess the key factors that contribute to research actionability, such as:

1. Effectively identifying and engaging stakeholders and partners;
2. Establishing meaningful, ongoing engagement throughout the research process;
3. Producing outputs tailored to stakeholder needs; and
4. Addressing the challenges of translating findings into real-world applications.

This research will help uncover best practices, identify common challenges, and highlight critical elements for creating actionable climate adaptation science. Insights gained from the working group will not only benefit the NC CASC but also provide a roadmap for other Climate Adaptation Science Centers to follow. “We know that resource managers want to plan using the best available science, and we know that researchers want their work to be of value to the public. The challenge is in figuring out how to do that. We are working to move beyond science that sits on a shelf to science that serves in the world,” says Dr. Christy Miller Hesed, head of the working group at the University of Colorado Boulder.

By improving the integration of actionable science into our consortium’s efforts, we aim to empower practitioners with the tools and knowledge they need to build a more resilient future. Together, we are working to ensure that the science we produce becomes a catalyst for meaningful change. While the working group is only open to current members of the NC CASC consortium, you can keep up with their work by checking the NC CASC website.