ADVANCING THE RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN EARTH SCIENCE DEPARTMENTS AND THE REGULATORS OF PROFESSIONAL GEOSCIENCE

Modern Earth Science programs are typically broader in scope than the disciplinary bounds of the geology, environmental geoscience and geophysics regulators who oversee applied practitioners. Geoscience graduates are encountering increased requirements for registered professional status and the next 5 to 10 years will likely see increased discussions regarding areas of practice, particularly between geoscience, agrology and environmental science. It is in the best interest of all stakeholders – the Earth Science departments, the regulators, the geoscientists, and even the public – for academic Earth Science departments and the regulators to have strong relationships.

This study examines how to best structure management of the relationship between academic Earth Science departments and professional regulatory bodies, with an initial focus on Canada. It examines what contextual factors enable the most respectful, flexible and productive relationships, what are current best practices, and what key institutional or national supports are required. Online surveys have been completed by Canadian Earth Science department heads and senior Canadian regulator personnel. Detailed surveys have been completed by the person(s) most responsible for communication day to day in both academic departments and regulators, who have also engaged in 1:1 appreciative inquiry interviews. Surveys and interviews are underway in summer 2021.

The poster will present preliminary results of the project, and provide an opportunity for academic departments from additional jurisdictions to engage with the study and contribute. The intent is to provide best practices that are applicable to all jurisdictions of geoscience regulation, and to other professions that must also interact with academic departments.