Beyond the journal article: How scientists can influence policy decisions

Session: 22. - How to Talk Science so Policy will Listen, and Listen so Science will Talk?

Rachel Melzer, Ministry of the Environment & Climate Change, Great Lakes and Inland Waters Branch, [email protected]

Abstract

To many Great Lakes scientists, one of the ultimate goals of a research agenda is to advance better environmental protection or restoration policies.  While research programs create scientific evidence, the framing and communication of that evidence – how, when and to whom it is conveyed – can be instrumental in shaping policy options and decisions. Governments like to emphasize their reliance on scientific evidence. Ultimately, though, a government's environmental management decisions will also be informed by other considerations such as media attention, public and stakeholder opinions, jurisdictional accountabilities, budget and electoral cycles, and even the idiosyncratic biases of an individual decision maker. This talk, by a long-time Great Lakes public policy professional, provides an insider perspective on government decision processes, and the roles that Great Lakes scientists can play in informing and influencing those processes. Policy is the art of creating and seizing opportunities. It relies on persuasion, not only on information. This talk offers Great Lakes researchers some simple, actionable ideas for communicating research findings into public policy decision processes. Examples include: selecting the right audiences for your science story; preparing an “elevator speech”; using tools such as analogy and anecdote to craft a memorable description of the issue; and providing high-impact visuals.

1. Keyword
policy making

2. Keyword
political aspects

3. Keyword
environmental policy

4. Additional Keyword
science communication

5. Additional Keyword
science-policy nexus