Social and Environmental Research Institute (SERI)
The Social and Environmental Research Institute (SERI) conducts applied research on a broad range of social and environmental issues, with a focus in three primary categories: public participation and decision making; human dimensions of risk and environment; and vulnerability and environmental change. While much of their historic work applied these research themes to oil spills and nuclear energy, many current projects apply the institute's expertise to climate change and adaptation.
Projects are described on their site that represent case studies in enabling adaptation planning, assessments, and action, and include the use of a vulnerability assessment process and tool developed by SERI which is being utilized in local communities. Their Vulnerability and Consequence Adaptation Planning Scenarios (VCAPS) process uses participatory modeling techniques and the conceptual frameworks of causal structure of hazards and vulnerability. Central to this process is the computer-based diagramming tool that allows users to represent information about pathways that link hazards, impacts, vulnerabilities, and management actions. For more information, VCAPS is an additional entry in this clearinghouse.
SERI focuses on three general research themes including: Public Participation and Decision Making, Human Dimensions of Risk and Environment, and Vulnerability and Environmental Change. They conduct research on vulnerability and environmental change in a variety of policy domains, including marine fisheries, coastal ecosystem management, and wildland fire management. The Institute's work on vulnerability has been focused on New England marine fisheries.
SERI was founded in 1995 as a non-profit research institute.
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Phone: (413) 773-9955
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