Why should scientists lead? To underpin policy on marine and polar ecosystems

• Published in: ICES Journal of Marine Science
• Main Author: Misund, Ole Arve
• Other Authors: Browman, Howard, NPI, Ministry of Climate and Environment
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford University Press (OUP) 2024
• Subjects: Norwegian Polar Institute; Svalbard; University Centre in Svalbard
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/icesjms/fsae045; https://academic.oup.com/icesjms/article-pdf/81/5/823/58437407/fsae045.pdf

Abstract I recount my personal history, beginning as a young fisherman, becoming an academic fisheries biologist, and ultimately a leader of institutions dedicated to marine and polar research, higher education, and advising policymakers. After my dissertation in the early 1990s, I embarked on an active research career at the Institute of Marine Research (IMR) in Bergen, Norway, developing a sonar method to estimate the abundance of schooling, pelagic fish. My career then transitioned to middle leadership—15 years as Section Leader and Research Director at IMR—followed by >10 years as a top leader for The University Centre in Svalbard, the National Institute of Nutrition and Seafood Research, and finally the Norwegian Polar Institute. I describe the major challenges, opportunities, and processes these leadership roles have entailed. I hope to send a positive message about the influential role of science, and the necessity of clear communication of results and advice at a time when there is a sense of urgency.