The intersection of science and policy – law, economics, engineering, planning and the social sciences – will engage faculty and students from these and other disciplines in a “laboratory” format.

The “Coastal Policy Laboratory” will provide a central campus hub for coastal policy research and training.  Faculty from key disciplines at the intersection of science and policy – law, economics, engineering, planning and the social sciences – will engage students from these and other disciplines in a “laboratory” format to ensure that the policy implications of Center research are adequately understood and addressed, that Center students are equipped with the tools of policy analysis, and that Center stakeholders have a place to go to seek advice on policy applications that advance coastal solutions, including those developed by the Center.  

“Policy relevance has become a watchword for scientists and engineers grappling with the coast’s especially wicked problems. Achieving policy fluency is a key component of a truly interdisciplinary approach to STEM education.  A policy lab housed in a STEM Center can achieve both.”

Thomas T. Ankersen, Committee Chair, UF Faculty Board
Professor, Director, Conservation Clinic
UF Levin College of Law