T223 Geoscience and Society: Action and Interdisciplinary Engagement on Local and Global Scales (Posters)

Wednesday, 13 October 2021
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Exhibit Hall A

ADVANCING THE RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN EARTH SCIENCE DEPARTMENTS AND THE REGULATORS OF PROFESSIONAL GEOSCIENCE

Paper number: T223-16
Program: Technical Sessions
Time: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Authors

  • Craig Nichol Presenting Author
    University of British Columbia Okanagan, Kelowna, BC

Abstract

Modern Earth Science programs are typically broader in scope than the disciplinary bounds of the geology, environmental geoscience and geophysics regulators who oversee applied practitioners. Geoscience graduates are encountering increased requirements for registered professional status and the next 5 to 10 years will likely see increased discussions regarding areas of practice, particularly between geoscience, agrology and environmental science. It is in the best interest of all stakeholders – the Earth Science departments, the regulators, the geoscientists, and even the public – for academic Earth Science departments and the regulators to have strong relationships.

This study examines how to best structure management of the relationship between academic Earth Science departments and professional regulatory bodies, with an initial focus on Canada. It examines what contextual factors enable the most respectful, flexible and productive relationships, what are current best practices, and what key institutional or national supports are required. Online surveys have been completed by Canadian Earth Science department heads and senior Canadian regulator personnel. Detailed surveys have been completed by the person(s) most responsible for communication day to day in both academic departments and regulators, who have also engaged in 1:1 appreciative inquiry interviews. Surveys and interviews are underway in summer 2021.

The poster will present preliminary results of the project, and provide an opportunity for academic departments from additional jurisdictions to engage with the study and contribute. The intent is to provide best practices that are applicable to all jurisdictions of geoscience regulation, and to other professions that must also interact with academic departments.

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs. Vol. 53, No. 6

doi: 10.1130/abs/2021AM-368358

© Copyright 2021 The Geological Society of America (GSA), all rights reserved. Permission is hereby granted to the author(s) of this abstract to reproduce and distribute it freely, for noncommercial purposes. Permission is hereby granted to any individual scientist to download a single copy of this electronic file and reproduce up to 20 paper copies for noncommercial purposes advancing science and education, including classroom use, providing all reproductions include the complete content shown here, including the author information. All other forms of reproduction and/or transmittal are prohibited without written permission from GSA Copyright Permissions.