Bridging the science-policy divide: Get involved!

In a recent Column in Nature, GYA executive committee member, Prof Rees Kassen (University of Ottawa) reminds scientists of their responsibility to actively engage with their governments if they want scientific evidence to be considered during policy decisions.

Prof Kassen point out that the scientific community is wrong if they think that "science will be given a privileged voice on an issue.... From a politician's point of view, science is an interest group like any other."

He expands on the following advice to the scientific community:

1. Improve the lines of communication.

2. Scientists should stand for election to public office.

3. Scientists need to seek opportunities to engage with politicians directly.

To read more, visit the Nature Column: World View