Open Course: “Climate, Environment and Health for the Americas - Mobilizing transdisciplinary knowledge and training for policy action”
INTRODUCTION:
The region of the Americas needs to strengthen the capacity of public sector actors to address and adapt to environmental determinants of health (EDHs), prioritizing populations living in conditions of vulnerability. An integrated and evidence-informed approach within the health sector and in partnership with other key sectors such as climate, environment, and disaster risk management, is essential to addressing and adapting to the challenges of EDHs in the Region. Implementation of solutions must be context-specific, based on the needs and realities of countries, and should encourage coordination, leadership, and communication.
Science-policy projects at the nexus of Climate, Environment and Health (CEH) can have broad societal framework and measurable societal benefits; their focus can range from vulnerability and resilience to reduce the risks of natural and anthropogenic hazards, to pollution, food/water security and quality, chronic and emergent diseases related to global change, and adaptation and mitigation actions in different socio-economic and environmental sectors to improve wellbeing (https://www.iai.int/pdf/en/Strategicplan-en.pdf).
MAIN OBJECTIVE:
This training initiative aims to enhance the capacity of professionals and institutions across the Americas to address challenges at the intersection of climate, environment and health through a transdisciplinary approach. Participants will develop skills in communication and engagement with diverse stakeholders, with a focus on the science-policy interface and the genuine participation of communities. The overarching goal is to contribute to the development and implementation of more effective public policies that address the most critical national, regional and global public health priorities.
Session 1: Introducing Transdisciplinary Research Approaches
Dr. Lily House-Peters, Associate Professor, Department of Geography
Dr. Gabriela Alonso Yanez, Ph.D., Werklund School of Education, University of Calgary
Marshalee Valentine, MSc, BTech, Jamaican Women in Coffee/IWCA Jamaica
Dr. Anna Stewart-Ibarra, Scientific Director, Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI)
Video Recording | Slide Deck | Case Study
Master Class 1: Challenges of and solutions for science communication
Juan Manuel Sarasua, biologist and scientific journalist
Week 1 Learning Objectives & Assigned Readings
TD Session 2: Doing Transdisciplinary Research
Dr. Lily House-Peters, Associate Professor, Department of Geography
Dr. Gabriela Alonso Yanez, Ph.D., Werklund School of Education, University of Calgary
Marshalee Valentine, MSc, BTech, Jamaican Women in Coffee/IWCA Jamaica
Dr. Mercy Borbor-Córdova, Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral
Video Recording | Slide Deck | Case Study
Workshop 2: Quick guide to writing for a broad audience
Angelo Attanasio, Journalist, Latinoamérica21 editor
Week 2 Learning Objectives & Assigned Readings
Session 3: Designing & Implementing Transdisciplinary Research Approaches
Dr. Lily House-Peters, Associate Professor, Department of Geography
Dr. Gabriela Alonso Yanez, Ph.D., Werklund School of Education, University of Calgary
Marshalee Valentine, MSc, BTech, Jamaican Women in Coffee/IWCA Jamaica
Dr. Martin Garcia, Ph.D., Lecturer, Massey University
Dr. Gilma Mantilla, Pontifical Javeriana University
Video Recording | Slide Deck | Case Study
Workshop 3: Telling stories through data
Marcelo Rensi, Freelance AI Designer
Week 3 Learning Objectives & Assigned Readings
Session 4: Managing Transdisciplinary Teamwork
Dr. Lily House-Peters, Associate Professor, Department of Geography
Dr. Gabriela Alonso Yanez, Ph.D., Werklund School of Education, University of Calgary
Dr. Martin Garcia, Ph.D., Lecturer, Massey University
Dr. Stella Hartinger, Cayetano Heredia University; Comprehensive Development, Environment and Health Unit
Video Recording | Slide Deck | Case Study
Workshop 4: How to explain science to a broad audience
Ana Pais, Senior Digital Editor, Radio Ambulante
Week 4 Learning Objectives & Assigned Readings
Session 5: Transdisciplinary Grant Writing, Assessment & Evaluation
Dr. Lily House-Peters, Associate Professor, Department of Geography
Dr. Gabriela Alonso Yanez, Ph.D., Werklund School of Education, University of Calgary
Marshalee Valentine, MSc, BTech, Jamaican Women in Coffee/IWCA Jamaica
Dr. Nicole Arbour, Belmont Forum Executive Director
Video Recording | Slide Deck | Case Study
Workshop 5: How is a public policy designed and how can I become a better advocate?
Pamela Poo, Political Scientist UDEC
Week 5 Learning Objectives & Assigned Readings
Contact e-mail: iai_science@dir.iai.in
PARTNERS:
