Workshop on Integrated Modeling for Integrated Environmental Decision Making 2007
Background
The 2007 EPA Integrated Modeling for Integrated Environmental Decision Making Workshop was held on January 30–February 1, 2007, in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.
Workshop Goal
The goal of this workshop was to build a workable vision of and strategy for the future role of integrated modeling in informing EPA’s regulatory decision making. This workshop provided an opportunity for EPA offices to share their experiences and perspectives in this area and to address the science and technology approaches and interoperability challenges of integrated modeling. The various definitions of integrated modeling were discussed, and future directions and programmatic priorities of integrated modeling were explored through a series of panel discussions, case-study presentations and break-out discussion sessions.
As integrated modeling and decision-making span multiple dimensions, Core, Regional, and Program Office staff involved in development (i.e., scientists/technologists), application (program science leads), and interpretation of model outcomes (e.g., program management leads, decision-maker support staff) were encouraged to attend. Over 130 individuals from across EPA as well as invited speakers from other Federal Agencies and international experts participated in the workshop.
The workshop was hosted by the Council for Regulatory Environmental Modeling (CREM) and the National Exposure Research Laboratory’s Ecosystems Research Division (NERL/ERD). The CREM is a cross-EPA organization established to foster continuous improvement and innovation in model development and application and disseminate developments on the use of emerging modeling technologies and techniques. The NERL (ERD) conducts process, modeling, and field research to assess the exposure risks of humans and ecosystems to chemical and non-chemical stressors.