Seminar Series

To help advance our mission to “serve the Nation and advance the mission of the Department of the Interior and its bureaus with innovative, objective, cross-cutting policy and economic analyses and program coordination,” the Office of Policy Analysis (PPA) leads and organizes its long-standing Policy Seminar Series. We welcome experts to discuss policy issues and programs that are relevant to diversity of the Department's interests and responsibilities. Jump to schedule

Background

The purpose of the of the DOI Policy Seminar Series (Series), led by the Office of Policy Analysis (PPA), is to advance the mission of the Department by raising awareness about policy-relevant issues and topics. To fulfill that purpose, the Series will seek to achieve the following goals:

• Inform audiences about important policy issues and initiatives taking place across the Department, and in relevant agencies and organizations outside the Department
• Promote the use of innovative methods for policy analysis, economic analysis, and cross-Department program coordination 
• Elevate the role of evidence-based policy and economic analysis as a professional discipline 
• Encourage the exchange of knowledge between DOI staff and peers in Federal, State, local and Tribal governments; non-profit organizations; academia; and industry
• Establish PPA as a central hub for the coordination, communication, and development of policy, program, and economic analysis.

The primary audience for these seminars is DOI and bureau staff, especially those involved in policy development, analysis, and implementation. But that's not all: the Seminar Series is public, and we also include policy experts from academia, think tanks, nonprofits, and other interested individuals from the public. 

Schedule & Tips

Seminars are generally held bimonthly on the second Tuesday of the month. They typically begin at 12:15pm Eastern and run until 1:15pm or 1:45pm depending on the number of speakers. Seminars are held virtually through Microsoft Live Events, though the format and platform may be adjusted to better achieve the goals of the series. Regardless of format or platform, seminars will be viewable online as a webinar.

To submit questions online during the presentations, click on the comment bubble with a question mark in the upper right corner of your screen. Questions may be submitted throughout the presentation, and speakers will respond at the end. Closed captioning is available via the "CC" button on the player. 

2023 Seminars

Feature image: Drawing of a woman speaking to a crowd. CC-BY 2.0 by delegateconnectimages