The Center for Science, Technology and Environmental Policy Studies (CSTEPS) conducted a three-year project with the United States Geological Survey (USGS) titled "Design and Evaluation for Effective Science Communication for the USGS Grand Canyon Uranium Project."

The project aimed to enhance USGS’s science communication strategies for its long-term study on uranium mining in the Grand Canyon region. Over three phases, CSTEPS researchers worked alongside USGS scientists to evaluate communication challenges, assess stakeholder needs, and develop science communication tools to improve public engagement and understanding of the project’s findings. The project produced several deliverables. 

• Literature review on science and risk communication best practices.

   

• Logic model to guide future science communication activities.
• Interviews of stakeholders across multiple sectors to understand their concerns and questions, identify misconceptions and challenges in communicating uranium mining science, and summarize key issues and opportunities to guide the development of communication tools.
• Three prototype communication tools designed to improve engagement with stakeholders.
  • Message Maps – A structured framework to guide clear and consistent communication on key research findings.
  • Research Topic Briefs – Concise, accessible summaries of complex scientific information of broad scientific topics tailored for diverse stakeholders.
  • Interactive Visualization – A dynamic tool designed to enhance stakeholder engagement through data-driven storytelling.