UMass Lowell

1. The role of the university in
promoting sustainable production
Joel A. Tickner, ScD
University of Massachusetts Lowell
Joel_tickner@uml.edu

2. University researcher has a responsibility
to support sustainable production
n University has knowledge and resources
not available to the general public
n Public university uses public funds and
those funds should be dedicated to
improving the public good
n Researchers are both researchers and
citizens
n We have a responsibility to train a new
generation of change agents

3. We implicitly take sides
n “Once you are a scientist, which means as soon as you systematically
ask questions about the universe, you take a political side. There are
infinite questions that you could ask about the universe, but as only
one scientist, you must necessarily choose to ask only certain
questions.
n Asking certain questions means not asking other questions, and this
decision has implications for society, for the environment, and for the
future. The decision to ask any question, therefore, is necessarily a
value-laden, social, political decision as well as a scientific decision.”
n Mary O’Brien, Bioscience, Nov93, Vol. 43 Issue 10, p706

4. Why should academic researchers support
sustainable production efforts
n “ Being a scientist should not preclude you from also
acting as a scientifically knowledgeable, active citizen
in controversial democratic processes. From whose
ranks should citizen activists be drawn if not from
scientists'?
n It is eye-opening for a scientist to participate in the
public political processes of our country that surround
environmental and public health issues. However,
even if you choose not to participate, you are taking
a side.”

5. How should academic researchers support
sustainable production
n Work with public interest groups – those needing
resources and support
n Undertake relevant projects to support sustainable
production
n Serve on a local or national committee or taskforce
supporting the public interest
n Devote time and resources to advocacy
n Train students to be strong change agents and
engage them in the political process.
n Just remember: “You only lose your objectivity if
you lose your objectivity”

6. Benefits of “taking sides”
n "One of the chief privileges of man is to speak up for
the universe" (Maclean, 1992). That is quite a
privilege.
n You will be able to feel that you have paid something
back to the world that has supported you: the air,
the forests, and the sea. You will have earned your
chance to live in a democracy.
n “What do they, the air, forests, and sea need you to
do as a scientist, as a scientific citizen, as a person,
to ensure their survival? They need you to speak up
for the universe. They need you to side with them, in
the public interest.”

8. Goals of Chemicals Policy and
Science Initiative
n Transform Science, Policy and Markets
to effect a transition to safer chemicals
and products
n Achieved through research and
“strategic engagement”

9. Examples
n Exposure to chemicals and childhood
cancer
n Toward Tomorrow
n Clean Tech
n Chemicals policy reform
n Green Chemistry and Commerce Council

14. Lessons learned from engaging in public
interest research in sustainable production
Working with communities:
§ Need to help advocates develop positive and
forward-looking messages and projects.
§ Need to help advocates develop an
understanding of the abilities and limitations
of science.
§ Need to spend time with communities under
study.
§ Need for open communication/listening.

15. Lessons learned from engaging in public
interest research in sustainable production
Building capacity within academia:
§ Need for strong institutional support.
§ Need for funding for public interest work.
§ Need for defensible, “objective” research but
clear about “biases”
§ Need for students, faculty, and staff with
political and technical experience and
understanding.
§ Need to take care in making commitments,
becoming overwhelmed

16. Conclusions
n Critical need for public universities to support public
interest sustainability research, providing incentives
and backing.
n Important to train a new generation of change
agents
n Public interest sustainability research can be both
extremely rewarding and challenging.
n Academic technical and research support is essential
for sustainability advocacy and for public interest
organizations to have the capacity and tools
necessary to democratically participate in decisions
regarding science and technology.