Inside the Institute for Science & Policy

Denver Museum of Nature & Science President and CEO George Sparks recounts how the inspiration for The Institute for Science & Policy came on the heels of the 2017 March for Science. At that time, he felt an increasing need for space to have conversations about science and its relationship to policymaking. The Institute was launched in 2018 as a strategic Museum initiative to create a place for those conversations and for people to learn and engage with timely, societally relevant science policy issues.  

The Institute for Science & Policy upholds the Museum-wide commitment to deepening public understanding of some of society’s biggest challenges with scientific thinking and empathy. The Institute does not take positions on specific policies but instead serves as a nonpartisan convener and honest broker of information, hosting programs on topics such as climate change, public health, misinformation and more. With a commitment to promoting civic discourse and scientific engagement, the Institute focuses on enriching policy discussions at local, state and regional levels.

Over the past five years since Executive Director Kristan Uhlenbrock joined the Institute, the team has seen growth in its size, program offerings and impact. Of the three pillars of the Insitute's work – storytelling, research and convening – the storytelling arm in particular has garnered national attention through the release of its award-winning  “Laws of Notion” podcast. In this long-form, narrative podcast, each season unpacks a story facing a Colorado community, exploring the interconnections between science, policy and our human nature. By examining issues where there are no easy answers and the solutions must be informed by diverse perspectives, Laws of Notion ask listeners to push against preconceived beliefs and think critically about the world.  

The fourth season, titled “United by Fire,” explores Colorado’s historic 2020 wildfire season. By exploring our relationship with the land amid rapidly changing wildfire behavior, the podcast series challenges listeners to rethink the way we live in a world that’s burning hotter and faster than ever.  

Laws of Notion seasons one and two, “Coal at Sunset,” and “Water, Under Pressure,” respectively, both were awarded the National Academies Eric and Wendy Schmidt Awards for Excellence in Science Communication. Season three, “Clearing the Air,” helped land Laws of Notion on Denver-based magazine 5280 list of one of the 26 best podcasts to listen to in 2024.

Beyond storytelling, the Institute leverages its science policy expertise to bring together a broad mix of collaborators through its convening work. The convenings are designed as an inclusive, open-minded space for science-informed dialogue and policy conversations, meant to stretch the boundaries of our thinking. Creating a space for people to be vulnerable, ask questions, learn from each other, test ideas and build relationships, the convenings support scientists and community leaders towards a greater understanding of how their work or role could be most impactful and mutually beneficial.  

As an example, the future of Colorado’s water – under increasing pressures from climate change, growing populations and an overstressed system – was a target focus of our 2022 six-month convening process. Those discussions inspired the Institute’s Roadmap to Better Decisions, a guide for engaging in productive dialogue and a reflection on the process.  

As a space to address science policy problems that define our modern world, the Institute solicits perspective articles from scientists, policymakers, journalists, thought leaders and engaged citizens to discuss complex issues. From its series of guest essays on climate change and equity  to a monthly column on public health issues by Jon Samet, former dean of the Colorado School of Public Health, the Institute provides a platform for leading voices across a variety of issues. In addition, the Institute brings together experts and thought leaders from around the globe to its annual Symposium to discuss and engage with some of the most critical issues facing us today. 

Approaching its sixth-year anniversary as part of the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, The Institute for Science & Policy reiterates its commitment to a future in which all people honor our common humanity and where science has a respected seat at the public policy table.  As the Institute looks towards its next phase at the Museum, there is a strong alignment with how our work expands our institution’s impact. The Institute will continue to make its mark in Colorado and beyond as a new paradigm for scientific engagement.  

For more information about the guidelines, boundaries and mission and vision for the Institute, check out the recently published Institute Compass. To stay connected to the Institute, please sign up for the monthly email newsletter, The Ampersand. 

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