Interview: "Scientists seeking to engage stakeholders must provide concise information and present win-win solutions that support compromise"

In this interview, iC3 coordinator Kathrin Bockmühl discusses her journey from nature conservation and Arctic-alpine ecology to research coordination, and reflects on connecting science, policy and polar research.

Can you briefly describe yourself and your role at iC3?

My name is Kathrin Bockmühl, and I am the new coordinator at the iC3 Polar Research Hub. I have a background in scientific coordination, international research collaboration and environmental science, with professional experience connecting science, policy and stakeholders, as well as in capacity building, administration and international cooperation.

I hold an MSc in Biology, specialising in biodiversity, evolution and ecology, from the University of Bergen. I have worked with Arctic and alpine ecosystems and conducted ecological fieldwork in Svalbard and mainland Norway.

Together with the Directors Support Coordinator, Communication Advisor and Data Manager, I will support iC3’s Directors, Manager and scientists with the centre’s operations and activities.

Credit: Maximilian Seifert.

Why is coordination important in research?

Operating a Centre of Excellence requires substantial administrative work in addition to scientific research. iC3 has highly skilled, ambitious and passionate researchers addressing vital questions. Coordination ensures that individual projects contribute to a shared direction.

It also helps avoid unnecessary duplication, identify knowledge gaps, foster collaboration and make better use of data collected by different research units. Furthermore, coordination can turn research results into joint outputs and help ensure that our science has an impact beyond individual publications.

What did you do at the German Federal Agency for Nature Conservation?

For more than 13 years, I worked as a Scientific Officer at the German Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN), which advises the Federal Ministry for the Environment on national and international nature conservation and climate policy. I contributed to high-level processes, including the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and Germany’s Strategy for Adaptation to Climate Change. I also supervised research projects and organised European expert workshops.

At BfN’s International Academy for Nature Conservation, I was responsible for the conceptual, educational and organisational delivery of national and international conferences, workshops and training courses. My work included coordinating complex logistics, moderating events, giving lectures, and documenting and publishing outcomes. I worked with students, postgraduates, experts, stakeholders, government representatives, scientific and international organisations, including UNEP, IUCN and German universities. I also contributed to long-term training programmes for professionals and postgraduate students worldwide.

What are the challenges of connecting science, policy and stakeholders?

Sharing research findings and knowledge is increasingly important, but science, politics and stakeholder groups often have different motivations, objectives and mindsets. They may also use different terminology and communication styles, meaning they do not always understand one another.

At the global level, within conventions such as the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the CBD, cultural barriers and differing political and economic interests create additional challenges. Scientists seeking to inform policymakers or engage stakeholders must understand what matters to them, tailor messages to their needs, use appropriate language, provide concise information and present win-win solutions that support compromise.

iC3 is currently working to communicate the societal relevance of its research to selected target groups, including through policy advice, with a particular focus on CCAMLR, the IPCC and IPBES.

How did you move from conservation policy to polar research coordination?

It feels like a natural career development. I combine polar research experience with scientific project coordination, event management, knowledge transfer and experience connecting science, policy and society. I am also passionate about the polar regions. While my former position addressed environmental challenges across many ecosystems, iC3 allows me to focus more directly on Arctic and Antarctic environments.

How would you use an unlimited polar research budget?

I would invest in psychological and legal research to determine how best to communicate polar research findings to relevant stakeholders. Many centres generate valuable knowledge, yet action by society and policymakers is often too slow. We have little time left, so I would invest in research and training to improve this communication process.

What is your ideal day off?

In summer, I would borrow a dog from a sledding kennel and go hiking or camping in the mountains. I enjoy cooking or baking on a gas stove or beach fire while taking in the Arctic landscape. In winter, I love exploring the magical scenery on skis.

Credit: Harm Jan Wesemann.

Has a book or film influenced you?

As a polar enthusiast, I was deeply moved by Alfred Lansing’s Endurance, which recounts Ernest Shackleton’s failed 1914 Antarctic crossing and his remarkable efforts to save his entire team.

Kathrin Bockmühl works as coordinator at the iC3 Polar Research Hub, based in the Department of Geosciences at the UiT Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø. To find out more about her past and current work, please contact her by email.