Transferring Knowledge for Service and Policy

Building the Bridge

people The Meteorological Service of Canada MSC carries out mission oriented research that focuses on improving weather forecasting, and predicting the impacts of climate change and air pollution on people and the environment. The MSC also investigates how Canadians can better adapt to changing atmospheric conditions. To be relevant to policy-makers and the public, MSC’s research must be placed in the context of the issues that require service and policy solutions. Each of the major projects presented in this report has made a difference because the scientific results have been accurately interpreted and effectively communicated to policy-makers and the general public. This process of bridging knowledge to service and policy is essential for the development of effective policy solutions and service needs.

Individuals who accomplish this are the “bridgers”. They may be scientists, advisors, or communicators. They maintain the integrity of the science and at the same time communicate it in a manner that is understandable to the non-scientific community - be it decision-makers, service providers or the general public. Bridgers keep current on all the relevant science and must often integrate knowledge over many disciplines in order to address complex issues. Acid rain, for example, required, and continues to require, meteorological, atmospheric, chemical, and ecosystem specialists to provide the scientific basis for the policy that addresses this issue.

Canada Protection Act Cover New scientific knowledge typically takes 5-10 years to be integrated into service and policy products. MSC’s long-term commitment to quality scientific research as illustrated by the projects presented in this report (many of which started a decade ago) has paid off in providing tangible products and services for Canadians.

“The science assessment and integration activities of MSC provide another impressive linkage to the national and international policy development process.”
International Independent Peer Review, 2001

Meteorological Service of Canada - Environment Canada - Government of Canada

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