CATALYST
DENVER MUSEUM OF NATURE & SCIENCE ONLINE MAGAZINE
Finding Direction in Our Current State of Affairs
The Institute of Science & Policy Provides Tools, Resources for Critical Thinking
No matter your ideological position, it’s my guess that trying to make sense of the current political landscape feels like endlessly pushing a boulder up the same hill, again and again — a true Sisyphean task.
The deluge of information flooding our screens and absorbing our attention, not to mention the ever-changing nature of political statements and actions, is overwhelming. Looking specifically at impacts in the science realm, we see news stories about people losing jobs, research funding being cut, scientific advice getting pushed aside and federal laboratories and agencies experiencing tremendous shake-ups. All of this can have real implications for our society — because science provides immense social benefits and contributes to our long-term global competitiveness. And while many of these changes are happening at a rapid pace, getting caught up in litigation or being rolled back, it’s hard to predict the short and long-term impacts, but there are some warning signs to accompany the uncertainty.
So, in our effort to help productively face the current state of affairs, the Institute for Science & Policy feels it’s important to engage in this complex situation in ways authentic to our mission. We don’t have answers, but we do know the power of thoughtful dialogue as a way to work toward solutions for society’s greatest challenges with scientific thinking, empathy and inclusivity.
An important step to making sense of the world is to think critically about it. Critical thinking can help us seek truth and foster humility. We also recognize the value of integrating critical thinking with empathy. Research shows that empathetic conversations can reduce polarization on contentious issues — a finding that should give us all hope. Empathy isn't just about being nice. It's about understanding that complex issues rarely have simple solutions.
Critical thinking and empathy help us engage in dialogue across divides, debates and conversations that are politicized. At the Institute, we've seen firsthand how this framework can lead to breakthroughs on seemingly intractable issues like climate and energy policy, public health approaches and natural resource management. We had one of our convening participants tell us, “I’ve never been able to have this conversation publicly before, because I was afraid of the fallout if I asked these types of questions.” Reminders like this show how vital it is to respect one another and engage in human-to-human interactions.
When our sense of unity is on the decline, we have the opportunity to welcome people into a conversation rather than shutting the door. That’s why we need to put in the effort to bring people together to have difficult conversations and span boundaries. And we need to equip ourselves with proactive ways to stay engaged.
This is why we created “The Compass Series: Navigating Our Complex State of Affairs.” Each installment explores critical topics at the intersection of science, policy and human behavior through podcast interviews, articles, videos, practical guides and more:
These topics aren't chosen accidentally. They reflect the core challenges we continually face in positioning science as a trusted voice in policy discussions and the role of our human nature in it all. So, as we move forward with this series, I invite you to join us with an open mind and a willingness to engage. The challenges we face require our collective wisdom and sustained effort.
When it seems as if we’re being pulled apart, trust in one another remains our most powerful tool for coming together. (Photo/ Institute for Science & Policy)
The series offers resources, tools and ways to engage across diverse perspectives. We'll introduce you to thoughtful people working at the forefront of these issues. Because ultimately, finding direction in complex times isn't about having all the answers. It's about asking better questions, embracing a curiosity to learn and being willing to follow where evidence and empathy lead us.
I hope you'll join us on this journey.
Kristan Uhlenbrock is the executive director of the Institute for Science & Policy
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Summer 2025
In This Edition
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Hunting for the Last Cretaceous Ecosystems of Peru
Museum Paleontologists Climb the Andes to Crack the Fossil Code
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The Story Behind Nature Play’s Public Art Installations
Meet the Artists Helping to Shape a Unique Creative Play Experience in City Park
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Museum Launches a New Way to Discover our Digital Collections
You Can Now Download Material Directly from Science Collections!
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What DNA Can Tell Us About Our World
A Behind the Science Conversation with the Scientists in our Genomics Lab
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Radiant Science! The Museum's Fluorescent Rocks
How the Museum is Assembling a Glow-in-the-Dark Mineral Display
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Finding Direction in Our Current State of Affairs
The Institute of Science & Policy Provides Tools, Resources for Critical Thinking
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The Museum Beadwork Collection Travels to Oklahoma
Building a New Model of Collaboration Between Tribal Governments and Cultural Institutions
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