Communicating Assessments with Impact: Insights from the Scientific Community

Authors

Emily M. McCarthy, No affiliationFollow

Author Biography

Emily McCarthy is an independent researcher who has worked in New Zealand’s National Assessments Bureau, Office of the Prime Minister’s Chief Science Advisor, and Ministry of Defence. She has a Bachelor of Science from Victoria University of Wellington, where she majored in Cell and Molecular Bioscience and Political Science, and Honors in Cell Pathology from the University of Sydney.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.5038/1944-0472.18.1.2333

Subject Area Keywords

Intelligence analysis, Intelligence studies/education, Methodology, National security, Science and technology & security

Abstract

Assessments analysts are extensively trained in the application of analytic techniques, but less time is spent equipping them with the tools needed to communicate their assessments effectively. Great pains can be taken to frame, research, and answer an assessment question, but that effort is wasted if the message isn’t heard and embraced by decision makers. An analogous challenge is experienced in the scientific community, where researchers are traditionally trained in methodological rigor rather than impactful communication. Acknowledging this, the scientific community has undertaken a concerted effort to develop and implement evidence-based strategies to communicate its findings with impact. This article draws insights from the field of science communication to suggest a pathway towards evidence-based communication strategies for assessments agencies, a crucial undertaking to ensure that assessments faithfully and impactfully carry their intended assessment lines to decision makers, in support of national security.

Disclaimer

This article was prepared by the author in her personal capacity. The opinions expressed in this article are the author's own and do not reflect the view of her employers, past or present.

Acknowledgements

The author acknowledges Dr Anthony Smith, Dr Teresa Vaughan, Dr Sarah-Jane O’Connor, and Loren McCarthy for the intellectual discussions and early review that supported the development of the ideas presented in this paper.

Recommended Citation

McCarthy, Emily M.. "Communicating Assessments with Impact: Insights from the Scientific Community." Journal of Strategic Security 18, no. 1 (2025) : 117-127.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5038/1944-0472.18.1.2333
Available at: https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/jss/vol18/iss1/7