Dhungana ADoyle EEHPrasanna RMcDonald G2025-08-152025-08-152025-09-01Dhungana 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. 3.2194-5403https://mro.massey.ac.nz/handle/10179/73367Effective 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.(c) 2025 The Author/sCC BY 4.0https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Uncertainty communicationDecision-makingScientifc modelsScientistsJournal article10.1007/s10669-025-10039-w2194-5411journal-article44s10669-025-10039-w