Policy for Planet: Sustainability Memos to Guide Government Action

1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
For students whose scientific research demonstrates the concept of sustainability and are interested in completing the Leaders in Sustainability (LiS) Certificate, they will complete a leadership project that collaborates with the Science Policy Group at UCLA to publish a policy memo on the peer-reviewed Journal of Science Policy and Governance (JSPG). The memo will analyze an existing policy on a sustainability related topic and suggest ways for improvement based on data research to facilitate sustainable practice. This is accomplished with the goal to inform and advise policymakers—the target audience to re-evaluate and revise the current policy. The policy memo must address the positive and/or negative impacts on the technological/environmental, social and economic aspects for each proposed policy option.

2. IMPORTANCE
This project is a great opportunity for student researchers to bridge the gap between science and society and develop professional skills that are important for leadership in sustainability. The benefits of the writing a policy memo are threefold: 1) the LiS students will develop their leadership skills by leading a writing team of 3-5 people, 2) they will practice science communication to non-technicians, and 3) they will develop a more comprehensive understanding of their chose topic by evaluating its economic and social impacts in addition to the technological development.

3. IMPACT AND REACH
The goal of the project is to publish the policy memo on JSPG and present it to border audiences including other colleagues, policymakers and government officials to spread science awareness and advocate policies that will support sustainable practices. Along with the final publication, the report of the project will also include the agenda and notes taken from each meeting.

4. COLLABORATIONS
This project will collaborate with the Science Policy Group at UCLA, a graduate student led professional group that advocates science to the society through science communication and outreach. They also provide resources and opportunities for students who are interested in a career in science policy.

5. YOUR ROLE WELL DEFINED
In terms of writing a policy memo, the LiS student will be the leader of the writing team and the main author on the paper. As the team leader, the student has the following responsibilities:
•Assign student role (E.x., contributing writer, editor, graphic designer, data analysts) depending on the member’s interest and time commitment.
•Conduct regular meetings with writing updates from each team member.
•Coordinate with team members and structure the memo in an organized and cohesive manner.

6. OPTIONAL NEXT STEPS
Yes, I would like to continue by being a contributing writer or leading a writing team on a different subject matter for the future rounds while I’m still a student here.