Collaborative science attracts individuals from a range of backgrounds and interests including scientists, resource managers, land stewards, educators at all levels, and more. For many, it becomes a way of working. But what draws individuals to collaborative science in the first place? Why do they keep using the approach? What kinds of impacts does collaborative science uniquely support and what are the implications for the trajectory of an individual's career?

Everyone who has participated in a collaborative science project has a story to tell about how they got started in collaborative science. The Science Collaborative program supports NERRS staff and partners in sharing about their work and what difference a collaborative science approach makes. Join this session to learn about three individuals’ experiences in collaborative science, including how they got started, what it has helped them accomplish, and why they still do it. Those who consider themselves newer to collaborative science, or even unfamiliar with it, are especially encouraged to attend and learn more!