The Nature Conservancy Science Council

Current and former Science Council members at TNC's Jackson Lane Preserve, Maryland

From left to right: Osvaldo Sala, J. Michael Scott, Mary Ruckelshaus, Stephen Polasky, Fran James (former Science Council member), William Murdoch, Joel Cohen

Photo © Joel Cohen

Science Council members

Joel Cohen (council co-chair)
William Murdoch (council co-chair)
Stephen Polasky
Mary Ruckelshaus

Science Council Background and Purpose

The Nature Conservancy relies on insights and knowledge from the world of science to make our conservation work more effective. Although we have top-notch scientists within the organization and on the Conservancy’s Board of Directors, as we expand our goals and activities globally it is essential we strengthen our ties with academic and public agency scientists outside the Conservancy.

To facilitate these efforts, The Nature Conservancy established a Science Council in September 2005 to advise the organization’s Board of Directors and staff on science-related issues.

Download the Nature Conservancy Science Council Charter.
(PDF, 12 KB, new window)

Functioning of the Science Council

The Science Council will meet in person twice annually, one of those meetings being held in conjunction with a Board of Directors meeting. Conservancy science staff will work closely with the Council on focal topics, ensuring that the Council’s work addresses the most salient science issues we face. The Council is currently developing a strategy to ensure effective two-way communication between Conservancy staff and the Council.