Hi,

I would like to request that people use plain language when they write or talk about these initiatives, or at all times for that matter.

Most of us are guilty at some time or other of using jargon that others, especially those in different professions, cannot understand. That is fine when one is communicating with people in one's own, narrow, field. However, with the push for increased cooperation across sector boundaries, there is an increased problem of being able to understand one another.

An example from the recent Wiki page describing these developments is: " new Science and Policy Integration function ". I have no idea what that means. My guess is that it means "A new way to integrate science research with policy development", but I am not sure. One should not have to spend time trying to figure out what was meant: it wastes time and leads to misinterpretation. Clarity should not be sacrificed in a desire to craft short statements or catchy phrases.

Just my 2-cents worth!

Kim