Elements of successful science-policy integration APECS Webinar April 1, 2014 Dr. Aynslie Ogden Senior Science Advisor Executive Council Office
Outline What is science? What is policy? Two cultures: science and policy What is science policy? Policy for science Science for policy Keys to successful sciencepolicy integration Bridging careers: from science to policy
What is science? Science is: The pursuit and application of knowledge and understanding of the natural and social world following a systematic methodology based on evidence Source: Science Council Science includes: Physical, biological, engineering, health and social science disciplines, and covers activities such as research, baseline studies, effects monitoring, status and trends monitoring, traditional knowledge studies, and community based monitoring Linkage to policy, effective data management & communication are essential elements Source: YG Interdepartmental Science Committee The scientific method (simplified): Ask a question Review the literature Design a study Collect and analyze data Describe and discuss results Draw conclusions
What is policy? Policy is: A course or principle of action adopted by a government, party, business, or individual. Policy is a decision; it is a commitment to a particular course of action. Policy includes: Legislation, regulations, guidelines, standards, speeches from the throne, manuals, election commitments, memorandums of understanding, The Budget, etc. Structured decision-making (simplified): Frame the problem Define objectives Identify alternatives Evaluate alternatives Make a decision Implement and monitor
Two cultures Source: Jeff Kinder, Natural Resources Canada SCIENCE POLICY
What is science policy? 1. Policy for science Encompasses strategies for managing and enhancing the conduct of scientific research 2. Science for policy Encompasses mechanisms by which scientific knowledge informs decision-making e.g. How we do science, and what science we do e.g. How we use science
Examples of policy for science How we do science: Ethical principles Data standards Open data What science we do: Research agendas Research licensing Funding priorities Funding allocations THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary For Immediate Release March 9, 2009 MEMORANDUM FOR THE HEADS OF EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS AND AGENCIES SUBJECT: Scientific Integrity Science and the scientific process must inform and guide decisions of my Administration on a wide range of issues, including improvement of public health, protection of the environment, increased efficiency in the use of energy and other resources, mitigation of the threat of climate change, and protection of national security.
Examples of science for policy Means Monitoring status and trends of key indicators Adaptive management experiments Forecasts Scientific assessments Science advice/expert judgments Etc. Ends To identify issues that may need policy attention To help develop policy that achieves intended objectives To identify policy options To identify likely outcomes associated with policy options To assess how effective policy is at achieving objectives Frame the problem Define objectives Identify alternatives Evaluate alternatives Make a decision Implement and monitor
Keys to successful science-policy integration Roles for scientists in policy/politics (Pielke, 2007) Scientists seeking to play a positive role in policy and politics and contribute to the sustainability of the scientific enterprise have choices in what role they play 1. Pure Scientist 2. Science Arbiter 3. Issue Advocate 4. Honest Broker
Roles for scientists in policy/politics (2) (Pielke, 2007) yes Is the decision context characterized by both values consensus and low uncertainty? no Connected to policy? Reduce scope of choice? yes no yes no Science Arbiter Pure Scientist Issue Advocate Honest Broker
Advice to the scientific community Elements of successful science-policy integration 1. Understand the decision-context Including: Degree of value consensus, uncertainty How decisions are made and by who Key stakeholders What stages in the policy process could benefit from scientific advice Test/analyze policy options as a way to inform decision-making e.g. can your science reduce uncertainty about outcomes associated with options? Increase awareness of both the issues and possible solutions Factors that can influence government decision-making Available human resources Available budgetary resources Platform commitments Legislation, policy Consultation Scientific evidence and advice Intergovernmental agreements
Keys to successful science-policy integration Advice to the scientific community (2) 2. Contribute to capacity building Address a need for information Work to increase knowledge and skills of all partners Create opportunities for mutual learning Leave a legacy Where appropriate, consider participatory research approaches Source: Cornwall and Jewkes, 1995. What is participatory research?
Elements of successful science-policy integration Advice to the scientific community (3) 2. Communicate effectively Know your audience Learn from your audience! Focus on relationships Provide advice based on the best available information and evidence Be careful in presenting facts vs. values Explain assumptions and uncertainties Contribute to the open data movement Source: http://blogs.nature.com/soapboxscience/2013/02/27/why-we-need-science-communication
Advice to the policy community Elements of successful science-policy integration Through horizon scanning, identify early the issues which need scientific advice But first.. ensure you have capacity and capability to recognize where there is a need for scientific advice! Adopt an open and transparent approach to the scientific advisory process Determine where public engagement is appropriate Source: Beddington, 2010. UK Chief Scientific Advisor s Guidelines on the use of scientific and engineering advice in policy making
Advice to the policy community (2) Elements of successful science-policy integration Draw on a wide range of expert advice sources, particularly when there is uncertainty Explain publicly the reasons for policy decisions, particularly when the decision appears to be inconsistent with scientific advice Anticipate (and communicate) future research (and policy) needs capacity willingness understanding Elements of successful decision-making in resource management Gunderson and Holling, 2001 Source: Beddington, 2010. UK Chief Scientific Advisor s Guidelines on the use of scientific and engineering advice in policy making
Science-policy interface: a cycle Elements of successful science-policy integration Source: http://blog.ecosystem-services.org/tag/science-policy-interface/
Elements of successful science-policy integration Take home messages 1. The onus or responsibility for successful science-policy integration lies on BOTH sides 2. Integration is not a discrete event; it requires early and ongoing interaction 3. Relationships are essential and take time to develop 4. One size does not fit all
Bridging careers: from science to policy "One time Atticus said you never really knew a man until you stood in his shoes and walked around in them. -- To Kill a Mockingbird
Additional Resources: A scientist s guide to influencing decisionmaking A decision-maker s guide to using science Source: www.science2action.org
Office of the Science Advisor Dr. Aynslie Ogden, R.P.F., R.P.Bio., P.Ag. Executive Council Office, Government of Yukon Phone: 867-667-5431 Mobile: 867-335-9058 Email: aynslie.ogden@gov.yk.ca Web: http://www.eco.gov.yk.ca/science/index.html Yukon s Science Community of Practice is now on Twitter! Follow at: https://twitter.com/scope_yukon