New EU science chief must share challenges, says Australian counterpart

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

A new chief scientist for Europe could be mutually beneficial for Europe and Australia, writes Penny Sackett, Australian chief scientific advisor. But the the role must be formed with a view to nuture relationships between policy and science

Good science and good policy are in some ways mutually dependent. In order to have lasting positive impact, policy needs to be based on the best available evidence, and must continually be updated as circumstances change or best evidence evolves. In today's world, much of this evidence will be scientific, in part because we increasingly rely on tools and solutions based on science. It has always been true that the natural and social worlds affect the human world, so a better understanding of these domains enables better human decision-making.

But some aspects of modernity make science even more important to policy. One is the rapidly increasing speed with which knowledge about the natural and social worlds is being accumulated. Another is the impact that the human world is now having back onto the environment that, ultimately, supports all human endeavour.

At the same time, the ability of science to deliver sound evidence for policy-making and simultaneously develop tools and solutions to improve human lives is dependent on good policy in the science domain. Such policy includes the manner and levels in which science is funded by the government, and policy related to science and maths education, international science cooperation, science communication and private investment in science and research.

It is important then, that this relationship between science and policy is protected, nurtured and continually developed. Science is a globally informed and performed discipline. The policies we make in Australia, indeed in any country, ultimately affect the human condition around the world. Whether it be environmental policy that affects our planet's atmosphere, a security policy that affects travellers to our countries, or an education policy that affects the way knowledge is transmitted around the globe, it is crucial that the evidence we use to support policy development is globally recognised and sound.

Science is also fast evolving and innovative, which means that great benefits can accrue to those nations that act quickly. But it is important that policy be adaptive in return, so that when new information comes to light our policies can be appropriately modified. Decisions made by governments should reflect the best evidence at the time. If that evidence evolves, so too should policy. This requires not only flexibility on the part of policy- makers, but understanding and support on the part of the populace.

My role as Chief Scientist is to assist in informing government about the relationship between science and policy, encompassing both science policy itself, and other general policy that is informed by science. The latter is wide ranging, including policies in health, environment, agriculture, education, security and defence, and the built environment to name just a few.

I've benefited immensely from contact made with my counterparts in other countries, and I would expect that the future European Chief Scientist would also find it beneficial to network to share ideas and challenges with those in a similar role. As science is arguably more internationalised than any other component of the policy evidence base, it is those nations with good science networks at all levels that stand to benefit the most. Australia, specifically, will benefit from interacting with the new European Chief Scientist and, I believe, this benefit will be mutual. Science and policy have global impacts, and by ensuring that each supports the other, nations can move forward with innovative policy for the ultimate benefit of society.