New institute boosts capacity of UC researchers to provide science for decision-makers

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University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources has formally launched the new UC ANR Policy Institute, envisioned as a “one-stop shop” for policymakers to find and easily access scientists and research on a host of critical issues in California. Available expertise encompasses agricultural topics, wildfire and forestry, water and pest management, public health and nutrition, and community and youth development, among others.

“This institute couldn’t come at a more critical time; as policies and regulations increase in complexity, so too does the need for data and science to be at the decision-making table,” said Glenda Humiston, UC vice president for agriculture and natural resources.

“Researchers are prime resources for everyone engaged in policymaking – legislators, nonprofits, industry and individual community members – and by increasing capacity to engage in this space, UC ANR will help communities across California craft policies that are practical and produce desired results,” Humiston explained.

In addition to connecting affiliated researchers across specialty areas and serving as a resource for academics interested in expanding policy-relevant work and communications, the institute also will conduct original research and real-time economic analyses.

Building upon the foundational work of the former UC Agricultural Issues Center, the institute will focus on the “Regulations, Policy and Compliance” challenge identified in the UC ANR Strategic Vision 2040. 

“The UC ANR Policy Institute will be transformative in delivering the UC ANR mission by increasing science-based communications and community engagement to inform policy decisions and implementation,” Humiston said.

Anne Megaro has been named interim director of the UC ANR Policy Institute, alongside two associate directors: Karen Jetter, research economist with the former UC Agricultural Issues Center, and JoLynn Miller, area director and 4-H youth development advisor in the Central Sierra. All three will serve in part-time interim roles for three years.

“I’m honored to work with a strong team to stand up the UC ANR Policy Institute,” said Megaro, UC ANR’s government and community relations director. “We are building an incredible resource that will have lasting, positive impacts. I look forward to seeing what we can accomplish together to further science-to-policy communications.”

She said the institute will provide training to UC academics about legislative processes and expand their capabilities to inform the policymaking process beyond the scope of government relations and advocacy in Sacramento and Washington, D.C.

“This new institute will empower and collaborate with researchers to develop data-driven solutions for today’s critical issues, develop audience-friendly communications and amplify the work of UC academics in the policy arena,” Megaro said.

Interim Associate Directors Karen Jetter and JoLynn Miller serve crucial roles heading up distinct issue areas identified by UC ANR’s Strategic Vision 2040. Jetter, an agricultural economist, will lead “Agriculture and Food Systems” and Miller, a 4-H youth development advisor, will lead “Thriving People and Communities.” A third Interim Associate Director heading the “Natural Ecosystems and Working Landscapes” area will be announced in the coming months.

For more information about the UC ANR Policy Institute, contact Anne Megaro at ammegaro@ucanr.edu.