The importance of communicating science

Every now and then an observation crystallizes. The challenge keenly observed becomes a gem for all time.?

The statement ‘science is not science until it is communicated’ belonged to distinguished former Chief Scientific Advisor to the United Kingdom Government Sir Mark Walport. Now, over a decade later, this crystalline observation inspires the Murray–Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) to share scientific knowledge of the Basin as we progress work that will inform the 2026 Basin Plan Review.?

One of the centrepiece science efforts is the Murray–Darling Water and Environment Research Program (MD-WERP). MD-WERP is an Australian Government initiative aiming to strengthen the scientific knowledge of the Basin under 4 key research themes: climate adaptation, hydrology, environmental outcomes, and social, economic and cultural outcomes. Now in its fifth year, MD-WERP science is being sharing to explain how research might be applied across the Basin.?

Our audience includes government officials and policy makers, water managers, peak bodies and industry groups, scientists, and Basin communities. Science is the backbone of informed decision-making, but it is not solely how we make our decisions. Basin science and research must earn and maintain social licence, so requires collaboration, trust, and mutual understanding. By involving Basin communities in the scientific process, we ensure research is relevant, applicable, and effective.?

There are three clear advantages of immersive scientific development and sharing with community. The local knowledge and expertise amassed by Basin communities provides valuable insights into the region's unique challenges and opportunities. Second, communities are more likely to trust and adopt scientific findings when they are involved in the process. Third, scientists benefit by understanding the perspective of end users, so they can ensure research is grounded and fit for purpose.?

We approach the Basin Plan Review with 12 years of knowledge gained from implementation. The journey to the Review we will hear from Basin communities, irrigators, governments and land and water managers. It will also collect, interrogate and share new science, updated modelling and data to inform future Basin management.?

One such initiative contributing to the Review is the Sustainable Rivers Audit. It will tell us about the current condition of the Basin’s environment, and where it has been trending under the Basin Plan.? Importantly, for the first time, the Sustainable Rivers Audit will also report on social, cultural and economic conditions, allowing us to better understand the complex fabric of the Basin.??

The Sustainable Rivers Audit will be complemented by a range of Basin condition monitoring projects that we have developed with the regional community forums to ensure they reflect community priorities.? And there are many important contributions coming from our collaboration with research consortia lead by @CSIRO and @LaTrobeUniversity delivering new knowledge and science through the Murray–Darling Water Environmental Research Program.?

Climate change adaption is a particular area of focus for ensuring science is well communicated. Developing the science to support choices about climate change requires engagement and consent of decision makers and other end users in the Murray–Darling Basin. Experience shows us that research programs can fail to influence management and policy for a range of reasons, despite best intentions.?

These are the cautionary tales for all of Basin Plan Review science – not just around climate. Yet we have seen valued exchanges and understanding of Basin science through our partnership with the Great Australian Wildlife Search, a collaborative citizen science project, powered by the @OdonataFoundation in collaboration with EnviroDNA and the Murray–Darling Basin Authority.?

During the Spring of 2023, citizen scientists collected an impressive 648 water samples at 324 sites throughout the Basin. The data collected is filling a critical gap in our current understanding of the distribution of threatened species across this region and will help to inform vital conservation efforts going forward. In fact, 144 species were detected during the sampling season – among these, 17 threatened species, including the endangered Silver Perch and the vulnerable Murray Cod. From sampling that connects citizens with their environment, to interactive mapping that shows people the hidden story of animals found in their very back yard, the power of science to spark curiosity and focus our minds on shared values is in our hands.?

The lesson is clear cut. By involving end users in the scientific process, we improve the relevance and impact of scientific research, enhance community trust and confidence in science, foster a culture of collaboration and cooperation and ensure that science serves the needs of all.?

When it comes to the Basin, our door is open. We invite you into our research, we are reaching out with every new report and you can look to the MDBA for best-available science as we prepare for the 2026 Basin Plan Review.?

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