UKCIP works at the boundary between climate science, policy-making and practice, where exchanging evidence, experiences and ideas is essential. Better communication can improve decision-making and enable innovative responses to climate change.
Knowledge exchange enhances learning and provides participants with new perspectives; practice and policy are informed by research, and vice versa. Knowledge exchange is often the starting point for collaborative adaptation efforts which cross traditional sectoral and disciplinary boundaries.
UKCIP’s work in knowledge exchange
We have a reputation as an independent partner, bringing together a diverse range of stakeholders involved in decision-making for climate adaptation. Our work in helping businesses to adapt has improved their economic outlook. UKCIP’s work is characterised by:
- a record of bringing together stakeholders to address specific adaptation issues and illustrating the value of knowledge exchange to individuals and organisations
- sharing what we learn; the vast majority of our work is available to all
- working across traditional sectoral and geographic boundaries, particularly where there are complex interdependencies.
Our knowledge exchange work incorporates:
The coordination of knowledge exchange networks. Since 2009, UKCIP has coordinated the Adaptation and Resilience in the Context of Change which enhances the impact of EPSRC research on a range of adaptation projects. UKCIP will continue to lead this network until 2018..
Knowledge exchange events. UKCIP staff have led knowledge exchange and training workshops both internationally and in the UK. Events include a workshop in Belgrade to consider new content for the European Commission’s Climate-ADAPT website. We have also organised knowledge exchange workshops through the Circle 2 European research network.
Training programmes. We have designed and delivered a broad range of adaptation training programmes, including a UK-wide programme for users of climate projection data and an adaptation training programme for the government’s Reporting Power participants.
Development of online learning resources. UKCIP devised online adaptation training resources including webinars, self-paced learning modules, online conferences and videos.
Designing and implementation of stakeholder dialogue processes. UKCIP has engaged stakeholders in the development of all of our adaptation support tools. This has included working with the academic and research community, government, civil society and NGOs through workshops, focus groups and discussion fora to ensure we reflect users’ needs.
Information and knowledge services. UKCIP provides a free monthly adaptation newsletter (‘enews’) to over 6,700 people, regular website news updates and a lively Twitter feed.