Up-dated 19 May 2005
SCOPE Project Development
- SCOPE deals
with scientific issues of major significance on the world
environmental scene, and looks at the management and policy
implications of these problems, acknowledging that we live in a world
where environmental, economic, social and institutional systems interact.
- SCOPE emphasizes
the synthesis of existing information, formulation of balanced
appraisals, stimulation of new approaches, and identification of the
more important research needs.
SCOPE projects are state-of-the-art scientific reviews that assess what
we know about major environmental issues and identify major gaps in
our understanding of current or emerging environmental problems.
A SCOPE project
can be developed over a period of several years and involve multiple
workshops and/or consultations (a mainstream project), or it can take
the form of a Rapid Assessment Project (RAP) structured around one major
international workshop. Guidelines for
SCOPE Mainstream Projects and the Guidelines
for Rapid Assessment Process (RAP) Projects are available for consultation.
SCOPE offers
- the technical
know how to carry out syntheses and assist scientists in the different
stages project development from the preparation of the agenda, to
fundraising for the implementation of work plan, to publication of
the major results;
- invaluable experience
in running successful workshops and conferences;
- an authoritative
series of scientific monographs and an established working relationship
with a key scientific publisher.
SCOPE does
not
- undertake research
at bench- or field- level, although some projects have incorporated
operation of mathematical models;
- a ct as a funding
agency, although it will actively assist project leaders in securing
financial support for project development.
SCOPE stands at
the forefront of environmental science, through more than 30 years'
of expertise and recognised leadership in the field. It provides a recognised
label of excellence for projects developed under its watch, drawing
on a worldwide network of interdisciplinary expertise (Cornerstones
for SCOPE Projects), through the scientists involved in its 38 National
Committees and 23 international Scientific Members.
SCOPE maintains
a portfolio of outstanding projects, and the Executive Committee is
selective in adopting new projects. It calls on the relevant experts
for input and advice in the development of all project proposals.
Project results
are communicated to fellow scientists, decision makers and the general
public. SCOPE maintains its Series of 65 peer-reviewed scientific monographs
and promotes a vigorous ongoing publications programme, with other outreach
tools to communicate its findings.
A project is normally
concluded when the work plan is completed and the outputs (especially
the synthesis report) delivered in publishable form.