Share Your Ideas to Advance EPA Science, Research, and Technological Innovation
As the editor of Greenversations’ “Science Wendesday” posts I get to engage in regular discussions about what makes for a good blog post. An articulate blogger-scientist who likes to share their work is always a good recipe. On top of that, my favorites are those that feature timely, interesting research projects. I’m fortunate that EPA science frequently involves all of the above.
But I have to admit that even after almost two years of having a front row seat to EPA science blogging efforts, I’m not so great at predicting which blog posts will be successful. For me, blog success is really measured in the comments that follow the post. In my opinion, a great blog post is one that sparks thoughtful, engaged discussion through the reactions and opinions shared in the comments section.
Social media, or “web 2.0 technology,” provides a great opportunity for us all to communicate better, and is quickly becoming an important tool for managers at EPA for engaging with the public for soliciting ideas and input.
One ongoing such effort is unfolding now as EPA asks you to join the discussion and lend your insights to the following question:
What improvements can be made to EPA’s research efforts? How can EPA better communicate its research to inform and empower communities?
The on-line discussion is part of the “Cross-cutting Fundamental Strategies” included in EPA’s Draft Strategic Plan for fiscal years 2011 to 2015. One of those strategies is “Advancing science, research, and technological innovation.” One of the best ways to achieve that is tap the collective creativity and expertise of as many people as possible. So please add your voice to the discussion.
About the author: Aaron Ferster is the lead science writer-editor in EPA’s Office of Research and Development, and the editor of the Science Wednesday section of “Greenversations.”
Jul 26, 2010 @ 12:34:26
The recent cosmological observations have given us a new vision to go ahead in the field of research and developments of a new physics. Huge amount of money has been spent in parallel research based on wrong basics of standard model . LHC is consuming a lot of money and time . We must formulate a path of action based on ETHER=GRAVITY=DARK ENERGY THEORY OF GRAVITOETHERTONS AND BALLOON INSIDE BALLOON THEORY PUBLISHED IN ASTRONOMY.NET IN YEAR 2002 BY DURGADAS DATTA.
Jul 26, 2010 @ 14:17:19
Durgadas are you lost? This is the EPAs blog, not Fermilab’s or SLAC?s. In case you’re not sure the “E” stands for Environment, not energy.
To answer the question… hmm tough. Maybe a series of articles explaining the intricacies of toxicology rather than a post by a new person each week. And why is Science only on wed? The majority of the other posts are pretty weak. I think the public relations folks should be relegated to Wed and science have the rest of the week.
Jul 28, 2010 @ 10:47:16
Thanks Wiliam H. Great idea about covering EPA toxicology studies in a future blog post. I’ll ask around and see if I can find one of our scientists to share what they do. Look for that in a future “Science Wednesday” post.
Jul 26, 2010 @ 14:46:19
Computer and, next…., Internet are “miraculous technologies” from our Scientists by Their impressed research. From much datum and accessories, Their bring us to just only touch “keyboard” to discover our wishes… , so this means : Could we do like “keyboard” to research, to explain and to implement our knowledge ?
Jul 26, 2010 @ 16:06:27
In addition to the public relations writers, I don’t really want to read about how motivated a teenager is as a result of some conference. That gives the blog a sense of pointlessness.
and I guess one other general comment. use more graphics. charts, tables….
Jul 26, 2010 @ 18:36:41
ISO is writing what will become the international standard for water footprinting. Water may eventually have the same formalized requirements as GHG. There is an opportunity for anyone who wants to participate on behalf of the US in this initial effort. (We are still working on the definiton of water footprint). Contact standards@asq.org to join.
Jul 26, 2010 @ 22:26:05
EPA while funding research and technology advancement had failed at commercialization. Bringing research and technology to the marketplace is a way to get communities involved. Creating jobs and a tax base is what communities are interested in. The research and technology coming out of EPA must be accessible and marketable in order to engage communities. Environmental incubators and commercialization centers may be a way to link science to communities
Jul 27, 2010 @ 00:28:51
Scientific exploration and development are critical to us successfully being able to deal with important environmental problems. Unfortunately, science education in the K-12 school systems is not what it could or should be. Science needs to be explained in ways that most people can understand what is being said. Or, people may be more influenced by FOX News, radio talk show hosts, and concervative editoral writers than they are by objective scientific reporting. Complex subjects cannot be adequately explained in one article. A series of several articles maybe needed and these articles should follow one each day through the series and be as free as possible jargon and overly long, complex words. This will go far to improving public outreach. Best wishes, Michael E. Bailey.
Jul 27, 2010 @ 02:24:52
Mr. William H,
Why only do science on a wednesday?
Science in technologies should be every day!
Do you think the internet (www) would be a form of environmental approach in the business world?
Where do you get your statistics from when dropping a research?
That’s alot of questions… I wouldn’t mind coming back and discuss about it a little,
Do you?
Thank you for your precious time,
Jul 27, 2010 @ 05:38:12
wow nice posting!keep it up bro!
Nov 12, 2010 @ 01:34:08
I have been looking at getting into the blog world. Not exactly sure how to be successful. But your brief article and comments have helped.
I saw talk of technology. I really think video blog posts are really effective. Especially when it comes to science. People love to see science in action.
Nov 12, 2010 @ 01:34:53
I have been looking at getting into the blog world. Not exactly sure how to be successful. But your brief article and comments have helped.
I saw talk of technology. I really think video blog posts are really effective. Especially when it comes to science. People love to see science in action.
Dec 14, 2010 @ 17:17:37
I know I sound like a typical American internet user, but I would appreciate more videos on this blog. There’s so many aspects of the EPA, and so many projects that are occurring because of the EPA, that I know little to nothing about. Maybe like a documentary type series on exciting things that are happening? I know I’d really enjoy that on this blog.
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Justin