The IJC Great Lakes Science Advisory board is partnering with researchers at Michigan State University (MSU) to conduct a research study using social network analysis to support the Great Lakes Science Plan. This study will be collecting data from participants during Spring of 2025.
Objectives
- Understand the network of institutions involved in conducting and/or funding Great Lakes science.
- Contribute towards increased coordination, collaboration and support for development of the Great Lakes Science Plan.
Methods
- The research team is connecting with institutions to obtain permission and identify prospective study participants.
- Participants are asked for their consent, and then to complete an online questionnaire about:
- The organization, sector, discipline, and scale of their work,
- The individuals and organizations they regularly interact with when conducting Great Lakes science activities, and
- Events where they frequently conduct/discuss Great Lakes science activities.
Results
- The research team will summarize responses in network graphics, charts/graphs and a report.
- Findings will be presented to organizations participating in the development of the Great Lakes Science Plan, as well as other public audiences, and may be published in a peer-reviewed journal.
- Findings will help inform the Great Lakes Science Plan, as well as future outreach, engagement and communications activities.
Data Management
- Responses are confidential and participants' identifying information is removed by the research team.
- The study's data management plan provides additional details.
- MSU researchers helped the IJC to design the study, which was reviewed and approved as exempt by MSU's institutional review board.
For more information, contact rachel.wyatt@ijc.org.