Developing a Consensus Social Science Research Agenda for the Hurricane Forecast and Warning System

The objective of this effort has been to develop a consensus social science research agenda for the hurricane forecast and warning system. Through a series of White Papers, a workshop in Pomona CA in February 2005, sessions at the 2005 CU Natural Hazards Workshop, and additional input from social scientists and researchers we have developed a draft statement of research priorities. This is being reviewed and developed further in order to present recommendations for potential funded research by appropriate agencies and organizations. The summary of this effort is expected to include (1) a focused research agenda related to largely applied issues, (2) a broader research agenda discussing more theoretical and exploratory research (e.g.,. the need to replace or supplement the exiting linear warning system with a warning system based on the diversity of available communication methods and the diversity of decision makers), (3) methods to facilitate further discussion in the social science research community on research priorities, and (4) a concept for a long-term, multi-disciplinary, multi-institutional approach to undertaking identified research priorities.