Aiste is a researcher at the University of Bergen whose work sits at the intersection of science, policy, and public discourse on deep sea mining.
The conversation explores how scientific knowledge shapes (and sometimes complicates) policy decisions, why more research doesn’t always lead to clarity, and how the Norwegian decision-making process around deep sea mining has unfolded—often in ways that surprise the scientists involved. Aiste also reflects on what it means to be a “neutral” scientist, the challenges of multidisciplinary collaboration, and the importance of being transparent about your role in shaping public decisions.
If you’re trying to understand how complex environmental decisions actually get made, this episode offers a nuanced, thought-provoking window into the process.
Follow Aiste
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aisteklimasauskaite/ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Aiste-Klimasauskaite-2
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Deep Sea Mining and Research03:30 The Role of Scientists in Public Discourse14:57 The Impact of Knowledge on Policy and Decision-Making21:36 Impact Assessments and Scientific Knowledge40:40 Quality vs. Neutrality in Scientific Research46:12 Trust in Science and Professional Networks51:59 Siloing in Science and Interdisciplinary Collaboration55:07 Decision-Making in Complex Value Situations01:03:39 The Precautionary Principle in Environmental Decision-Making01:07:18 Conservatism in Environmental Preservation01:16:42 The Role of Scientific Community in Policy01:21:00 Challenges in Global Governance of Ocean Resources01:28:12 The Importance of Purpose in Environmental DiscussionsTheme music: Tamarack by Jesse Matas
Mentioned Resources & Further Reading:
* Think Again: How to Reason and Argue by Walter Sinnott-Armstrong
* Sandra Harding's work on scientific neutrality
