Measuring Science Impact on Conservation Outcomes - Spring

Advisor: Kathleen Callahan

Team Members: Erica Wu, Yifei (Fei) He, Maxim Alexander LeFleur, Benjamin Peter Greenstein, Joshua Mark Kimball, Shunge (David) Zhang, Kunyue (Rita) Zhou, Yiwei (Stan) Liu, Sara A Haris, Vrinda Goenka

This report examines how The Nature Conservancy (TNC) can more effectively measure and communicate the real-world impact of its scientific research on conservation outcomes. As one of the largest global environmental organizations, TNC plays a critical role in addressing biodiversity loss and climate change through science-driven decision-making. However, measuring the true impact of conservation science presents major challenges, including the absence of universal key performance indicators, difficulties attributing ecological or policy changes to specific research efforts, and gaps between scientific findings and public or policy engagement. The report evaluates existing approaches to impact measurement and science communication to help inform the next phase of TNC’s One Conservancy Science Strategic Plan (2026–2030).

Using literature reviews, comparative NGO analysis, stakeholder interviews, and case studies, the report develops recommendations for strengthening TNC’s science impact framework. Findings indicate that traditional academic metrics—such as citation counts or journal impact factors—are insufficient to capture the real-world influence of conservation science. Instead, impact should be assessed across multiple stages, including research dissemination, stakeholder awareness, policy engagement, and long-term ecological outcomes. The report highlights the importance of integrating Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) frameworks, developing theory-of-change models for research initiatives, and tailoring science communication strategies to different audiences, including policymakers, communities, and scientific stakeholders. By strengthening impact measurement systems and improving science communication capacity, TNC can better demonstrate how its research contributes to conservation policy, ecosystem protection, and long-term environmental outcomes.

Learn more about the MPA-ESP Capstone projects.