From scientific models to decisions: exploring uncertainty communication gaps between scientists and decision-makers

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dc.citation.issue3
dc.citation.volume45
dc.contributor.authorDhungana A
dc.contributor.authorDoyle EEH
dc.contributor.authorPrasanna R
dc.contributor.authorMcDonald G
dc.date.accessioned2025-08-15T03:05:47Z
dc.date.available2025-08-15T03:05:47Z
dc.date.issued2025-09-01
dc.description.abstractEffective communication of uncertainty relies on transparent exchanges between scientists and decision-makers. However, significant gaps often exist between how scientists and decision-makers perceive, understand, and communicate uncertainty. This study examines the dynamics of uncertainty communication between scientists and decision-makers, employing a reflective thematic analysis of 32 interview datasets, comprising 17 scientists and 15 decision-makers. Our results show that Scientists typically approach uncertainty through methodological rigour, employing technical vocabulary and probabilistic language, which aligns with their scientific training but often complicates comprehension for decision-makers. Conversely, decision-makers prioritise actionable insights and practical implications, requiring uncertainty to be communicated in a way that supports decision-making processes across diverse contexts. The study further highlights the need for tailored communication strategies that bridge the complexities of uncertainty with the practical needs of decision-makers, emphasising collaboration and user-focused uncertainty visualisations as pathways to enhance uncertainty communication between scientists and decision-makers for the uptake of uncertainty information into decision-making.
dc.description.confidentialfalse
dc.edition.editionSeptember 2025
dc.identifier.citationDhungana A, Doyle EEH, Prasanna R, McDonald G. (2025). From scientific models to decisions: exploring uncertainty communication gaps between scientists and decision-makers. Environment Systems and Decisions. 45. 3.
dc.identifier.doi10.1007/s10669-025-10039-w
dc.identifier.eissn2194-5411
dc.identifier.elements-typejournal-article
dc.identifier.issn2194-5403
dc.identifier.number44
dc.identifier.piis10669-025-10039-w
dc.identifier.urihttps://mro.massey.ac.nz/handle/10179/73367
dc.languageEnglish
dc.publisherSpringer Science+Business Media, LLC
dc.publisher.urihttps://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10669-025-10039-w
dc.relation.isPartOfEnvironment Systems and Decisions
dc.rights(c) 2025 The Author/s
dc.rightsCC BY 4.0
dc.rights.urihttps://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
dc.subjectUncertainty communication
dc.subjectDecision-making
dc.subjectScientifc models
dc.subjectScientists
dc.titleFrom scientific models to decisions: exploring uncertainty communication gaps between scientists and decision-makers
dc.typeJournal article
pubs.elements-id501769
pubs.organisational-groupOther
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