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NORC at the University Chicago

Cosmic Explorer

Two people silhouetted against the night sky with a large telescope and other equipment
Assessing the social climate and workforce sustainability of sites for a next-generation gravitational-wave observatory
  • Client
    The University of Arizona
  • Dates
    May 2024 – Present

Problem

Successful astrophysics observatories require safe spaces for scientists and mutually beneficial relationships with host communities.

The University of Arizona wanted to conduct site suitability and location analysis for the Cosmic Explorer project. The site selection and development of two ground-based gravitational-wave observatories depends on establishing mutually beneficial relationships with local and Indigenous communities and in locations that can support and sustain a thriving workforce. The site suitability analysis incorporates physical, cultural, and economic factors to create custom maps and geospatial output. 

Solution

NORC is creating a ‘Social Landscape Index’ and conducting small-area estimation to inform site suitability.

To conduct the Social Landscape Index (SLI), NORC identified relevant index domains and indicators. Domains included safety and inclusion, cohesion, Indigenous community, support for science, and social resources. NORC subject matter experts identified publicly available national data sets with social variables related to the SLI domains.

Using the identified datasets, NORC will use ArcGIS to create a thematic map of the SLI and a multivariate thematic map highlighting an informative interrelationship between two or more index indicators. NORC will also use data from the American Community Survey (ACS) and NORC’s General Social Survey (GSS) to create small-area estimates of attitudes on safety and inclusion. 

Result

The SLI and GIS layer will provide insights into domains relevant to the Cosmic Explorer site selection. 

The SLI and ArcGIS thematic map will inform the Cosmic Explorer site suitability analysis. The SLI and ArcGIS thematic maps are intended to assess the social climate and its suitability for workforce sustainability, creativity, and scientific innovation. The small-area estimation will assess safety and inclusion attitudes relevant to the project. It is a novel application of the GSS, designed primarily to produce national estimates of attitudes rather than small-area estimates.

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