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The NPF Community Shares its Perspective on Priorities for Future Development of the Framework


In the spring of 2024, after about a decade or so of development of the Narrative Policy Framework (NPF), the community determined it was time to take stock of where we are and where we need to go. NPF researchers across the globe showed up for our assessment in many ways – online zoom forums, personal emails, survey feedback and more– in an impressive demonstration of our shared commitment to progress and the collegiality of our growing community of researchers. Your thoughtful and strategic ideas about the values, strengths, weaknesses, and priorities of our research community are shaping the foundational concepts for our Research Coordination Network (RCN) proposal for the US National Science Foundation. As our small drafting team moves towards our goal of submitting this proposal in early 2025, we find ourselves turning again and again to the insights and ideas that emerged from these discussions and from our online survey. 


We received over 100 “hits” on the online survey, which yielded 68 responses appropriate for analysis. We were pleased to reach a broad cross-section of our community: 14 individuals who are new to the NPF, diving into the literature and attending conference presentations; 19 people who are becoming well-acquainted with the NPF (presenting at conferences, teaching the NPF and/or using its tools in your advocacy); and 35 of you who are experienced with the NPF, with a publication track record in addition to other activities. Our 12 student respondents are represented across all three levels; we included them there and also pulled them out for separate analysis.  


The figures below represent the answers to the two prioritization questions on the survey. Q4 asked your opinions of what new or enhanced activities would most benefit the community as a whole and Q5 referred to what would be best for you personally. (The survey is now closed, but you can review the full text of the questions and answers here.) We’ll highlight a few observations about the responses here.