Case study 2: Beyond silos - An integrated sustainability hierarchy framework, from interdisciplinary collaboration at the science-policy interface - Dr Melissa Wang
Dr Melissa Wang Greenpeace Research Laboratories, BioSciences, University of Exeter For Institute of Environmental Sciences - Dialogue Between Disciplines 2026 22nd September 2026
NUMBER of initiatives/commitments launched or the VOLUMES of capital mobilized, but also in the STRATEGIC DIRECTION these resources push for. A paradigmatic shift in sustainability discourse and decision-making is needed: from fragmented, binary debate to PORTOFOLIA building.
Member) INC-3 INC-1 2017-2021 OEWG INC-2 • Portfolio building approach, replacing binary, INC-4 INC-5.4 INC-5.2 fragmented debate. • Borrowed the Waste 2026-2027 Hierarchy as the then best INC-5.1 available alternative. INC-5.3 UNEA 6 UNEA 4 2019 (*Adapted based on Planet Tracker 2025) February Geneva, Switzerland Election of new chair • But …
NUMBER of initiatives/commitments launched or the VOLUMES of capital mobilized, but also in the STRATEGIC DIRECTION these resources push for. Requires an INTEGRATED, CROSS-DOMAIN, SECOTR-AGONOSTIC and FUTURE PROOFING guiding framework to catalyze synergy, prevent problem shifting, as well as enable consistent and holistic decision making.
practical and integrated tool addressing multidimensional challenges, a blend of expertise is essential. Model 1. An expansive co-author list Model 2. A lean team or (*Image generated with Google Gemini)
– a Hybrid approach: A compact, highly complementary coauthor core team representing the critical knowledge pillars + Extensive outreaching to and working with multidisciplinary and multisectoral stakeholders (60+), e.g. - - academia, IGOs, UN Special Rapporteur, Indigenous Peoples, civil society organizations Private Sector/Investor Press Officers Campaigners, Political Strategists, negotiators and diplomats across countries. Allowed incorporation of rich insights, while keeping the project agile and effective. ( * Image generated with Google Gemini)
and collaboration, even among a small team, is iterative, requiring continuous exchanges and patience, sometimes involving difficult dialogues. • Adaptable project leadership, with shared ownership and collective decision-Making. • Navigating this challenge, however, turned a major vulnerability into our greatest STRENGTH, yielding a conceptually rich, methodologically sound, and policy-relevant Sustainability Hierarchy Framework (SHF).
& Reach / Impact Published here Agility and Urgency for The Core Academic Output * Peer-Reviewed Journal article * Cell Press iScience ❖ Phase 2 Press release by University of Exeter; Adaptive Socialization and Dissemination * University of Exeter & its * Institutional Press Release Press Office * Expert Diplomatic Briefing *Academic & Professional Conferences k * Social Media Amplification k * NGO and Multilateral Engagement Syndicated via Phys.org, part of the Science X network, reaching over 10 million monthly readers * Plastics Diplomacy Brief Key resources for negotiators and stakeholders. * Plastic Waste Trade Watch * Exeter Climate Forum * ACCESS Assembly * Micro 2026 Conference etc. * ’L k (Melissa W, k Fredric B, Joachim P.T. , Neilk T ) * Diplomatic Poster and oral presentations, academic exchanges. k In total 200+ direct engagements and 20+ reposts across professional policy networks (by end of August). Communication documents, policy positions and strategies, and events are under development.
& Reach / Impact Published here Agility and Urgency for The Core Academic Output ❖ Phase 2 * Peer-Reviewed Journal article * Cell Press iScience Press release by University of Exeter; Adaptive Socialization and Dissemination Application in Multidimensional Sustainability challenges: * University of Exeter & its * Institutional Press UN Release Global Plastics Treaty (GPT) Negotiation as an Example Syndicated via Phys.org, part of the Science X network, reaching Press Office over 10 million monthly readers * Expert Diplomatic Briefing *Academic & Professional Conferences k * Social Media Amplification k * NGO and Multilateral Engagement * Plastics Diplomacy Brief Key resources for negotiators and stakeholders. * Plastic Waste Trade Watch * Exeter Climate Forum * ACCESS Assembly * Micro 2026 Conference etc. * ’L k (Melissa W, k Fredric B, Joachim P.T. , Neilk T ) * Diplomatic Poster and oral presentations, academic exchanges. k In total 200+ direct engagements and 20+ reposts across professional policy networks (by end of August). Communication documents, policy positions and strategies, and events are under development.
and Urgency for The Core Academic Output Published here * Peer-Reviewed Journal article * Cell Press iScience ❖ Phase 2 Adaptive Socialization and Dissemination Status & Reach / Impact Press release by University of Exeter; * University of Exeter & its * Institutional Press Release Press Office * Expert Diplomatic Briefing *Academic & Professional Conferences * Social Media Amplification * NGO and Multilateral Engagement • • Syndicated via Phys.org, part of the Science X network, reaching over 10 million monthly readers * Plastics Diplomacy Brief Key resources for negotiators and stakeholders. * Plastic Waste Trade Watch * Exeter Climate Forum * ACCESS Assembly * Micro 2026 Conference etc. * ’L k (Melissa W, Fredric B, Joachim P.T. , Neil T ) * Diplomatic Poster and oral presentations, academic exchanges. In total 200+ direct engagements and 20+ reposts across professional policy networks (by end of August). Communication documents, policy positions and strategies, and events are under development. Provided agility to enable time-sensitive publication, but missed some Planning is crucial! …
first and worst by Indigenous communities. It is time to move past rhetoric – upholding, recognising and respecting the rights of Indigenous ’ must be the baseline priority for any meaningful environmental framework moving forward.” Quote in the press release provided by Frankie Orona Executive Director, Society of Native Nations; Co-Facilitator, Indigenous Peoples and Their Communities Major Group, UNEP Footer 1 / footer 2 20
issues are multidimensional. • Need integrative, cross-domain, and sector-agnostic guidance for synergy building and systemic action. • Cross-sectoral and interdisciplinary collaboration contributes, which brings incredible richness, while introducing complexity and challenges need to be carefully nurtured. • This requires active listening, confidentiality protection, humility, mutual respect & trust building, and a shared willingness to bridge and reconcile different viewpoints across disciplines and groups, which directly mirrors the core philosophy of the Sustainability Hierarchy Framework (SHF) itself: embracing and integrating diversity rather than pitting domains against one another. • ACCESS & IES collaboration toolkit: powerful. Footer 1 / footer 2 21
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