This document discusses the roles that learned societies and institutions can play in raising issues and influencing science policy. It examines what policymakers need, which is access to evidence and clarity, and what learned societies have to offer, such as expertise and convening power. It also considers the challenges of being heard by policymakers and ensuring science policy discussions are timely and politically aware. Finally, it looks at the extent to which public opinion should influence science policy and examples of how it has, such as through focus groups or evidence-based advocacy campaigns.
2. How science policy ‘really’ works
(1)what roles do/should learned societies and institutions take in
raising the profile of certain issues, and when and where should
they impact on science policy?
(2) to what extent and how public opinion can/should influence
science policy.
3. What is science policy?
Policy for science
Science for policy
4. What roles do learned societies and
institutions take in raising the profile of
certain issues, and when and where should
they impact on science policy?
5. What do policy makers need?
Access to the best evidence to make good policy
Solutions as well as problems
Clarity
6. What do learned societies and institutions
have?
Expertise
Independence
Convening power
9. Challenges
“Our biggest problems today, from climate change to economic
development to disease control, cannot be addressed using
reductionist and linear techniques. Delivering quality science to
inform these policy challenges will require a concerted effort,
bringing together evidence, networks and communications in timely,
politically savvy ways.”
Ben Ramalingam, Research Fortnight, 26 March 2014.
13. Science for policy
Sense about Science ask for evidence campaign
Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority mitochondrial
replacement consultation
Science as part of the public discourse