Kerry upholds science, research-backed truth as inaugural Blue Horizons Fellow

John F. Kerry (left) in conversation with Dean and Director Derek Aday during a fireside chat with the William & Mary community. (Photo by Katie Warner)

The following story originally appeared on the website for W&M's Batten School & VIMS. - Ed.

"We have global problems to solve and an hour to do it," joked William & Mary's Batten School & VIMS Dean and Director Derek Aday as he began his discussion with the school's inaugural Blue Horizons Fellow, former Secretary of State John F. Kerry.

Made possible through the generous support of philanthropist Jane Batten HON '17, L.H.D. '19, the Blue Horizons Visiting Fellows Program brings leaders and innovators to the Batten School of Coastal & Marine Sciences & VIMS to help catalyze the institute's science for solutions. Kerry's fireside chat with Aday was one of several events that drew hundreds of engaged audience members from the university and surrounding communities to reflect on the state of science and policy in the world.

William & Mary President Katherine A. Rowe welcomed attendees to the Oct. 15 talk, emphasizing the university's unique position as the Alma Mater of the Nation and its responsibility to lead the research necessary to understand our changing world and train the graduates who will translate that research into meaningful policy and action.

Rowe reflected on the Blue Horizons Visiting Fellows Program as a catalyst for that work, sharing that "this extraordinary new program brings renowned leaders to our campus to help set the course as we consider the strategies and solutions necessary to ensure the health of our coastlines. It is a credit to Derek Aday's leadership that the inaugural Blue Horizons Fellow is one who has thought deeply about the challenges we face and the solutions we can and must develop as global leaders and innovators."

A time for truth, a place for science

For Kerry, stepping into the visiting fellow role is an opportunity to build upon his belief in the transformative power that institutions of higher learning play in addressing the local and global challenges we face today. The discussion was a signature event for W&M's Year of the Environment and a key component of Kerry's role as a Blue Horizons Fellow.

"I am genuinely honored to be here and to be the very first Blue Horizons Fellow at the Batten School & VIMS," Kerry said, speaking to both Aday and a captivated audience. "The ocean is something I have been quite passionate about since I was a child and I feel a certain kinship with this community. I am excited for the opportunity to engage with the students and faculty here who are leading us toward a tangible reality, a prosperous and stable future made possible by prioritizing a healthy ocean. I have a great respect for the pursuit of solution-oriented, nonpartisan science and I look forward to learning from one another during my time with you all."

While Kerry's career began on the coast and at sea with the United States Navy, it was as secretary of state that coastal and marine sciences guided his work with international leaders and the development of multinational accords. During that time, he led the nation's involvement with the Paris Agreement, a legally binding international treaty on climate change. As the first U.S. special presidential envoy for climate, Kerry played a key role in securing a multinational agreement that recognized the transition away from fossil fuels as essential to addressing the global climate crisis.

Reflecting on his work at the intersection of science and policy, Kerry was clear on his position. "There's no separating the problems that stem from the climate crisis and the role that our coastlines and oceans play in addressing them," Kerry stated. "In order to fully realize the opportunities ahead of us, all of the good that can come from addressing our issues head on, we must deal with emissions and the warming of our planet. I believe that these problems are created by humans and because of that the solutions will be created by humans as well. I believe in us - I believe in our entrepreneurship, in our creativity, and in our goodness as human beings. It's time for us to bravely pursue what is possible."

Blue Horizons builds upon a legacy of leadership at W&M's Batten School & VIMS

As part of his visiting fellow role, Kerry also sat down with Batten School & VIMS scientists and students to engage in conversation around a diversity of research efforts. "We are delighted to welcome John Kerry as our first visiting Fellow," said Aday. "His expertise and his experience connecting science and policy is of immense value to our faculty, staff and students."

As faculty discussed a wide range of institutional research at the intersections of science, policy and industry, Kerry emphasized the value of interdisciplinary leadership. "Immersion into an industry - take fisheries for example," Kerry mused, "is the best way to learn how to govern. We need leaders who shape decisions with respect for the lived experiences of industry workers and the related research that scientists develop."

"What we hope to make clear is that all of us here at the Batten School and VIMS are working on research with real, tangible impacts," reflected Associate Professor Juliette Smith, as the meeting drew to a close. "The discoveries we are making not only move science forward but they solve problems that people are facing in their daily lives. That's what it's all about."

As the day wrapped up, Kerry reflected on his excitement for continued conversations and future collaboration: "The more you can do to draw a picture for the average citizen, to help them understand and care about the linkages between continents and coasts, the better positioned we can be in translating your science and their concerns into global agreements that everyone will benefit from."

"We continue to foster a deep connection between the work happening at the Batten School & VIMS and efforts taking place between global leaders in the public and private sectors through thoughtful conversations like the one today," shared Aday. "Our scientists and graduates are ready to lead as Secretary Kerry described and look forward to building upon this moment and to continue transforming science into action."

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