20 Key Science Policy Takeaways from the AAAS Annual Meeting

By Sheeva Azma

I recently recapped 12+ hours of science policy sessions I attended at the 2024 AAAS Annual Meeting virtually. Check out all of those blogs here. Here are a few key takeaways, generated from those articles by perplexity.ai and me.

1. Recognize the importance of bipartisanship in achieving progress in science policy.
2. Be direct and specific when engaging with Congress. Provide actionable recommendations and policy mechanisms rather than just presenting data.
3. Identify relevant government offices and agencies that have jurisdiction over the issue you’re addressing.
4. Be prepared to discuss priorities, tradeoffs, and compromises, as these are standard in policymaking.
5. Discuss anticipated timelines for proposed policies, as Congress views short-term and long-term problems differently. Also be mindful of costs and timelines, which Congress considers.
6. Specify metrics for measuring the success of proposed legislation.
7. Understand the history of your policy area to avoid appearing naive in discussions with congressional staff.
8. Build relationships and trust with policymakers and their staff. See them as people first.
9. Engage with people holding different viewpoints to broaden your perspective and increase effectiveness.
10. Work with government affairs professionals at universities and professional societies to enhance your policy efforts.
11. Focus on making scientific expertise more accessible and relevant to serve policymakers’ needs.
12. Engage in discussions of science with your local community, and keep an open mind and avoid preconceived notions when doing so.
13. Think about the role science plays in society and introspect on “science of science” to be a better science policy professional.
14. Ensure inclusive engagement by including historically excluded groups in science policy discussions.
15. Look for shared values and goals that transcend partisan lines.
16. Engage with your state’s existing science advisory body, if one exists. These organizations often welcome input and participation from diverse stakeholders to help drive science policy efforts forward.
17. Consider whether the way scientists gauge what is scientifically rigorous realistically aligns with what is useful and relevant in the real world.
18. Volunteer with grassroots organizations working on science-related policy issues in your community.
19. Adapt your communication style to the policy setting. While negotiation and argument are part of science, you may need to adjust some of the approaches you learned in academia to effectively advance science-informed policymaking balancing important considerations like values, economics, and community engagement.
20. Advocate for science-informed policies by meeting with local officials, and volunteering with grassroots organizations, as policy implementation often occurs at the local level.

Also check out the article “How to Get into Science Policy” for 21 ways to get into science policy.

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