Nature Feature: Science could solve some of the world’s biggest problems. Why aren’t governments using it?

A Nature global survey finds that most specialists are unhappy with systems to provide science advice to policymakers. By Helen Pearson Killer viruses. Artificial intelligence. Extreme weather. Microplastics. Mental health. These are just a few of the pressing issues on which governments need science to inform their policies. But the systems that connect scientists with politicians are not…

INGSA Insights video – Thema Monroe-White – George Mason Uni

Improving science advice by understanding who is doing science. Science is a human system – and historical, sociological and structural biases persist. A/Prof Thema Monroe-White looks at how we can improve #ScienceAdvice by understanding WHO is doing the research – and why that matters. Filmed at the INGSA2024 conference in Rwanda. See all the sessions…

Science and Diplomacy Journal – Special Issue: Science Diplomacy — 15 Years On

It has been 15 years since the publication of the joint AAAS-Royal Society report New Frontiers in Science Diplomacy.1 To mark that anniversary, our two organizations are revisiting our report, aiming to publish an update to it in early 2025. Over the past year, we have consulted stakeholders widely, aiming to gather a diverse range of views…

City/science intersections: A scoping review of science for policy in urban contexts

Abstract Science is essential for cities to understand and intervene on the increasing global risks. However, challenges in effectively utilizing scientific knowledge in decision-making processes limit cities’ abilities to address these risks. This scoping review examines the development of science for urban policy, exploring the contextual factors, organizational structures, and mechanisms that facilitate or hinder…

View from the top: Academic leaders’ and funders’ insights on the challenges ahead

Abstract: Today’s institutional leaders face a shifting landscape of challenges. View from the Top: Academic Leaders’ and Funders’ Insights on the Challenges Ahead explores the complex issues academic leaders and funders face, their preparedness to tackle them, and the strategies they’re developing to ensure long-term success for their institutions. Developed from interviews of over 100…

What works to promote research-policy engagement?

Authors: Kathryn Oliver, Anna Hopkins, Annette Boaz, Shannon Guillot-Wright, Paul Cairney Background: To improve the use of evidence in policy and practice, many organisations and individuals seek to promote research-policy engagement activities, but little is known about what works. Aims and objectives: We sought (a) to identify existing research-policy engagement activities, and (b) evidence on…

The Politics of Modelling: Numbers Between Science and Policy

Abstract Climate change and COVID-19 have brought mathematical models into the forefront of politics and decision-making, where they are now being used to justify momentous and often controversial decisions. Such models are technically very complex, and sources of political authority. Yet disagreement among experts fuels a growing uneasiness about the quality and significance of the…

The role of evidence and expertise in policy-making: The politics and practice of science advice – Gluckman 2018

Abstract: What is the role of the institution of science in a world where trust is declining? How do we ensure respect for scientifically derived knowledge in this environment, and particularly for policymaking? How do we ensure that policymakers are more likely to take into account the role of scientifically derived evidence in their decision-making?…

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