Projects

Please follow this link to:
Weather and Society Integrated Studies Workshops Weather & Society - Integrated Studies (WAS*IS)

Special Program on Social Science and Weather Forecasts:
Integrating Social Science and Weather Research
Hosted by the NCAR Societal Impacts Program

New Methodologies for Evaluating Benefits of Improved Forecasts.
A two part workshop will be held during 2005/2006 to develop methods for evaluating the benefits of weather information. Building on tools from social sciences including economics, geography, planning, communication, and public administration, workshop participants will develop methodologies for effective evaluation and to offer new methodologies to the social impacts arena. The work will provide the ground work for future case studies and to facilitate applied studies. A methods workbook with the lessons from participants' case studies will be available after the second session for broad dissemination.

Description

These workshops will develop a cadre of physical and social scientists dedicated to culture change within meteorology and hydrology to actively incorporate the social impacts of weather products for industry, academia, and society and government. The two part workshop will be held during November 2005 and February 2006 to develop methods for evaluating the benefits of weather information. Building on tools from social sciences including economics, geography, planning, communication, civil engineering, sociology, psychology, and public administration, workshop participants will develop and learn methodologies for effective evaluation and to offer new methodologies to the social impacts arena.

Based on the findings an on-line short course will also be constructed for the American Meteorological Society meetings and for home study.

The work will provide the ground work for future case studies and to facilitate applied studies. A methods workbook with the lessons from participants' case studies will be available after the second session for broad dissemination. This page will soon have a link to the workshop overview and application form.

An article summarizing workshop methods and results will be developed for publication to further encourage the integration of social science methods in the weather forecasting enterprise.

Application for Participation

Please visit the WAS*IS website to learn more.

Contact Information

For more information on the Methods Workshop please contact:

Eve Gruntfest
National Center for Atmospheric Research
Institute for the Study of Society and Environment
P.O. Box 3000
Boulder, CO 80307
303-497-8116
ecg@ucar.edu Javascript required to view address

or

Julie Demuth
National Center for Atmospheric Research
Institute for the Study of Society and Environment
P.O. Box 3000
Boulder, CO 80307
303-497-8112
jdemuth@ucar.edu Javascript required to view address

or

Jeff Lazo
National Center for Atmospheric Research
Institute for the Study of Society and Environment
and
Research Applications Laboratory
P.O. Box 3000
Boulder, CO 80307
303-497-2857
lazo@ucar.edu