Connecting with Diverse Communities: STAR’s Journey in Connecting with Communities in the Arctic

User engagement (UE) is an evidence-based discipline that combines a variety of techniques and strategies to engage with users to uncover unbiased needs, goals, objectives from the user’s perspective and to dive deep into the environments of those being served. It allows development and delivery of the most useful, usable, and used products and services to customers. For NOAA, UE plays a pivotal role in fostering trust, driving collaboration, and achieving impactful outcomes. In the dynamic landscape of scientific research and policy-making, building bridges between communities is essential to maximizing the benefits of remote sensing products and innovative solutions. This presentation explores the journey of the Center for Satellite Applications and Research (STAR) experience in connecting with diverse groups such as scientists, the Interagency Arctic Research Policy Committee and Collaboration Groups, Universities, and local communities within the Arctic.

The presentation will delve into the multifaceted process of establishing meaningful connections, addressing challenges encountered along the way, and illuminating the current status of these engagements. It will emphasize the importance of dialogue, shared objectives, and mutual understanding in creating an ecosystem where STAR's products translate into tangible benefits for both the scientific community and society at large.