Brazilian Project Bridges Science and Policy for Environmental Solutions
A pioneering initiative in Brazil is redefining how science and policy work together to tackle complex social and environmental challenges. The Biota Synthesis Nucleus, based in São Paulo, brings scientists, policymakers, and community stakeholders into collaborative working groups to co-develop solutions for issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainable urban planning.
The project, supported by the São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP), has already contributed to key policies like São Paulo’s Climate Action Plan and the Refloresta-SP forest restoration program. Its innovative approach focuses on "transdisciplinary synthesis," blending academic research with local and practical expertise to create actionable knowledge.
Flexible Solutions for Urgent Problems
The Biota Synthesis Nucleus operates through seven specialized working groups, each tackling a different area, from pollination services to climate finance. These groups adapt their methods to specific needs, using flexible formats such as frequent short meetings, hybrid collaborations, and immersive workshops. This adaptability allows the project to respond quickly to urgent policy demands while fostering long-term collaboration.
For example, when the São Paulo state government sought contributions to its Climate Action Plan, the team organized a three-month task force to deliver a high-impact proposal, demonstrating the project’s ability to balance urgency with scientific rigor.
Building Trust and Bridging Gaps
Central to the project’s success is its emphasis on two-way communication between scientists and policymakers. Moving beyond a traditional consultancy model, the initiative fosters co-creation, where stakeholders collectively identify problems and design solutions. Trust-building activities, such as regular meetings and transparent communication, ensure that all participants feel included and aligned.
“This project is not just about generating knowledge—it’s about creating trust and bridging different perspectives to make real-world change,” said Jean Paul Metzger, one of the project’s coordinators and former member of the IAI’s Scientific Advisory Committee.
A Model for the Future
Despite its achievements, the Biota Synthesis Nucleus has faced obstacles such as data access limitations and power imbalances among stakeholders. The project addresses these challenges through formal agreements, the incorporation of knowledge brokers to facilitate dialogue, and an emphasis on non-academic outputs such as technical notes and policy frameworks.
The success of Biota Synthesis highlights the potential of transdisciplinary approaches to address global challenges. Its methods are already being recognized as a model for integrating science and policy, offering hope for replicating similar initiatives worldwide. By focusing on collaboration, flexibility, and actionable outcomes, the project sets a new standard for tackling the world’s most pressing socio-ecological problems.
For more information, read Guiding transdisciplinary synthesis processes for social-ecological policy decisions, a white paper written by Carlos Joly, member of the IAI’s Science-Policy Advisory Committee, Jean Paul Metzger, and colleagues.