A decade of discovery: Reflecting on 10 years of social science research transitions

A decade of discovery: Reflecting on 10 years of social science research transitions

Sun Joo (Grace) Ahn, Carr, R. H., Korcak, M., LaDue, D., Ripberger, J., Trujillo-Falcón, J., & Williamsberg, C. (alphabetical order - 2025). A decade of discovery: Reflecting on 10 years of social science research transitions. Panel presented at 105th American Meteorological Society annual meeting, January 12-16, New Orleans, Louisiana.

Abstract: The concept of transitioning research into the day-to-day operations of the NWS and other practitioner spaces in the weather enterprise has been a long-standing challenge. In response, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and other federal agencies developed frameworks and processes aimed at bridging the gap between research and practice, commonly referred to as research transitions. While these frameworks and processes have proven effective for implementing new meteorological technologies and tools, their application to the social, behavioral, and economic sciences has received less attention. However, over the last decade, there has been a notable shift in focus within the Weather, Water, and Climate community, with the social sciences emerging as a more integral part of our collective mission. This panel session will feature six participants who have been instrumental in transitioning social and behavioral science research into practice over the past decade. Each will deliver a high-energy, 5-minute lightning talk, reflecting on the successes, challenges, and lessons learned when moving social science research into operational settings. One presenter will also highlight our community’s efforts to improve the transition process over the last 10 years. These dynamic presentations will set the stage for a panel discussion, fostering an open dialogue of reflection among speakers and attendees. Finally, the panel will explore, alongside the social science research community, what the next 10 years may hold for social science transitions.

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