Standing Up for Science

TL;DR

Scientists need to engage in politics and policy-making to ensure evidence-based decision-making, but it is essential to do so without politicizing science.

Transcript

watching on the livestream as well my name is Alison Schneider I'm a managing editor with editor with Axios were a media company based in Washington DC relatively new and I'm thrilled to be here today to talk with this esteemed panel about the intersection of science and politics and if you were able to read a little bit about the session you know ... Read More

Key Insights

• 🧑‍🔬 Scientists engaging in politics can provide more evidence and expert voices in policy debates.
• 🤔 Scientists can bring critical thinking skills to policy problems, finding equitable solutions.
• 🧑‍🔬 Efforts to engage scientists in politics should be done without compromising the scientific process.
• 🧑‍🔬 Incentives and institutional changes are needed to encourage scientists to engage in policy-making.
• 🧑‍🎨 Engagement with artists and different mediums can enhance science communication.
• 👨‍🔬 Universities and research institutions should support scientists in engaging with policy and provide legal support if needed.
• 🏛️ Trust in science can be built through unbiased communication and reducing sources of bias.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why is it important for scientists to engage in politics?

Scientists should engage in politics to provide more evidence and expert voices in policy-making decisions, ensuring that the decisions are well-informed and based on scientific evidence.

Q: How can scientists contribute to policy debates without politicizing science?

Scientists can contribute by presenting evidence objectively, using critical thinking skills to find the best solutions to policy problems, and engaging in open and transparent communication with policymakers and the public.

Q: How can funding agencies support scientists through changes in political priorities?

Funding agencies can prioritize both short-term vision and long-term vision in research funding, allowing for both immediate problem-solving and blue-sky research. Stable funding for research, such as the European Research Council's seven-year fixed budget, can help scientists navigate changes in political priorities.

Q: How can scientists effectively communicate their research to the public and policymakers?

Scientists can receive media and communication training to effectively explain their research to the public in a clear and accessible manner. It is also important to establish platforms, such as CyBorg, to turn scientific policy into plain English and provide guidance on how the public can engage with policy.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Scientists should engage in politics to contribute more expert voices and evidence to policy debates.

• Scientists can bring critical thinking skills to policy problems and help find equitable solutions.

• Efforts to engage scientists in politics should be done without compromising the scientific process.