Marine Policy Institute

Functional Areas

Marine Policy Institute activities span three functional areas 

Scientific Translation and Mediation
These activities seek to improve relationships between existing Mote research programs, the broader marine science and marine policy communities and the general public.  Activities include symposia and associated proceedings, production of white papers and  policy assessments that translate and communicate scientific results, findings and related information from the marine sciences community in a form relevant and useful for decision-makers.  The Institute also monitors relevant initiatives in the marine policy community to identify gaps and uncertainties in scientific knowledge that can be translated into tractable research hypotheses.  In this sense, the MPI’s scientific translation and mediation activities emphasize interactive communication channels and dialogue. 

Human Dimensions Research
This area includes development, coordination and conduct of “human dimensions” research projects that seek to better understand the human dimensions of the marine ecosystems and their relevance for policy decisions.  Human dimensions research will be conducted by experts from a range of disciplines that include economics, law, political and policy sciences, sociology, anthropology, psychology, history and geography.  Much of the necessary expertise to conduct this type of research is incorporated into Policy Institute projects through formal and informal collaborative arrangements with other partner institutions. Collaborative relationships and interdisciplinary projects that link human dimensions researchers to natural scientists operating within existing Mote research programs will be encouraged to create better linkages between knowledge and action for policymakers and stakeholders.

Training
The Institute believes that a core function should include developing a robust program of undergraduate internships, graduate fellowships and scholars-in-residence to help grow a pipeline of marine policy expertise. These programs are still in development through strategic partnerships with local, national and international institutions that administer highly regarded marine policy programs.  The objective is to provide an ideal training environment for applied marine policy that will have a lasting impact on future generations.  The Institute will identify priority research needs and address those needs with appropriate expertise in consultation with our collaborators and cultivate a community committed to realizing the synergies from integrating natural and social sciences.