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CORVALLIS - Leading scientists and experts from across the nation will participate in a winter seminar series at Oregon State University to explore a common but difficult challenge - how uncertain scientific information can be effectively used in the formation of good public policies.

Sponsored by the OSU Department of Geosciences, the seminar series is titled "Formulating Policy for an Uncertain Earth." All of the presentations will be on a Tuesday at 4 p.m. in Room 1109 of Cordley Hall on the OSU campus, and are free and open to the public.

The tools of science by their very nature produce some measure of uncertainty, researchers say, while decision makers constantly seek accurate and specific predictions about highly complex natural processes. This series will examine how scientific information can be used in policy development and decision making, in such topics as water resource management, endangered species, climate change, natural hazards, forest fires, national security and other issues.

The speakers and their topics include:

• Jan. 6 - Gail Achterman, director of the OSU Institute for Natural Resources, speaking on "Pacific Northwest Natural Resource Policies"

   

• Jan. 13 - John Shurts, general counsel of Northwest Power and Conservation Council, speaking on "Science and Salmon Policy in the Columbia River Basin"

   

• Jan. 20 - Hermann Grunder, director of Argonne Laboratories, speaking on "National Energy Policy"

   

• Jan. 27 - Jonathan Price, director and state geologist for the Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology, speaking on "Waste Policy"

   

• Feb. 3 - Brian Shaw, deputy national intelligence officer for science and technology of the National Intelligence Council, speaking on "Science and Issues of National Security"

   

• Feb. 10 - Edward Miles, director of Pacific Northwest Climate Impacts Group of the University of Washington, speaking on "Science, Policy and Climate Change"

   

• Feb. 17 - Sam Sandberg, USDA Forest Service Pacific Northwest Research Station, speaking on "Wildfire and Forest Policy"

   

• Feb. 24 - Helen Ingram, professor of social ecology at the University of California at Irvine, speaking on "Transboundary Water Resources"

   

• March 2 - Donald Swanson, scientist in charge at the Hawaii Volcanoes Observatory, speaking on "Volcanic Hazards Policy"

   

• March 9 - Thomas Jordan, director of Southern California Earthquake Center, speaking on "Earthquake Hazards Policy"

Co-sponsors of the program include the Institute for Natural Resources, the L.L. Stewart Faculty Development Award, and the OSU Foundation. More information and updated information on speakers can be obtained at the web site of the OSU Department of Geosciences, at www.geo.oregonstate.edu.