Exciting Highlights from the First National Sustainability Society Conference in Seattle

I am?thrilled to share insights from two impactful sessions?we hosted?at the inaugural National Sustainability Society conference held at the University of Washington. This event brought together over 600 participants dedicated to advancing sustainability across various sectors.

When I mentor young professionals, they often ask "How do you know your work is having an impact?" The answer is it not always possible to know. This meeting was one of the rare occasions in which I could tangible see the impact of our work. Inspiration for the creation of this professional Society came as a direct result of our report, "Strengthening Sustainability Programs and Curricula at the Undergraduate and Graduate Levels," (https://nap.nationalacademies.org/catalog/25821/strengthening-sustainability-programs-and-curricula-at-the-undergraduate-and-graduate-levels) highlighting our commitment to building a sustainable future through collaboration, innovation, and informed policy-making.

Session 1: Harnessing Biodiversity for a Thriving Sustainable Future

This session delved into the critical role biodiversity plays in fostering sustainable ecosystems. Distinguished experts Rachel Gallery , Meghna Tare and Jeannine Cavender-Bares discussed innovative strategies for integrating biodiversity into sustainable development practices, emphasizing the importance of preserving diverse species to maintain ecological balance and resilience. The session highlighted successful case studies and collaborative efforts that demonstrate how biodiversity can drive sustainability transformations. Kudos to Bernat Navarro-Serer, Ph.D. for his work in support of this session.

Session 2: Research to Policy: National Academies Sustainability Roundtable

In this dynamic session, my Board Members Marilu Hastings , Shefali V Mehta and Jeff Martin shared their insights on bridging the gap between research and policy. The session provided a platform for discussing strategies to mobilize scientific knowledge and technology to achieve sustainability goals. Participants engaged in interactive discussions on fostering partnerships across sectors and regions, with a focus on engaging youth and civil society in sustainability initiatives as well as future plans for the work of the Science, Technology for Sustainability Roundtable (https://www.nationalacademies.org/sts/science-and-technology-for-sustainability) at the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM). Thank you to my colleague Emi Kameyama for her work in support of this session.

We look forward to continuing these important conversations and driving impactful change in the field of sustainability.

Christopher Boone , Anne Kapuscinski , Erin Bromaghim , Garrick Louis , Dorceta E Taylor