Houston Advanced Research Center

It is becoming more challenging to understand the complex relationship among society, technology and the natural environment. Our analysis has shown there is a lack of enough objective, applied research on the complex issues affecting our region to create permanent environmental and community improvement.  To accomplish its mission, HARC has adopted the sustainability science framework set out in the National Research Council's Our Common Journey. In this framework, the foundations of sustainability include biological, social, technological and geophysical systems research. A great deal of this knowledge and know-how already exists in these disciplines, but only a small fraction of it is currently being utilized by policy makers and other decision leaders. Two-way, dynamic processes are critical for transforming what one researcher or organization knows into something useful for the decision-making challenges and opportunities faced by others. This approach to sustainability must occur at a regional level so that stakeholders can be engaged and problems addressed.  HARC is well-positioned to fill a role demanded by scientific bodies, public officials and interest groups to provide the critical information required to promote sustainable development in our region. In its operating niche, HARC's role is to bridge the gap between basic research and technology commercialization, and basic science and policy implementation. In this role, HARC improves the flow of critical information and data in both directions between scientists and decision makers.  Related to its operating niche, HARC positions itself as a boundary organization. While remaining objective and non-partisan, a boundary organization promotes dialogue and cooperation between scientists who produce knowledge and the decision makers who use it. HARC is committed to sustainability, but is neutral regarding how, exactly, sustainability should be achieved. This grants our organization license to mediate among different viewpoints.

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