Science Policy: Bridging the Gap Between Research and Governance

By the Fancy Comma, LLC Team

Fancy Comma is a science communications and policy consulting firm. We can help with policy research and analysis as well as scientific and political communications. Read our explainer on science policy below!

Science policy plays a crucial role in shaping our society, economy, and future. It encompasses the intersection of scientific research and governmental decision-making, influencing everything from funding allocations to public health initiatives. This article explores the importance of science policy, its various forms, and how individuals can get involved in this vital field.

What Is Science Policy?

Science policy refers to the set of rules, regulations, and guidelines that govern scientific research and its application in society. It involves the allocation of resources, the establishment of research priorities, and the translation of scientific discoveries into practical solutions for societal challenges.

Science policy can be thought of as as a two-way street. “Science for policy” seeks to provide scientific evidence to inform policymaking, while “policy for science” has the goal to develop policy to support and advance science research.

Types of Science Policy Activities

Science policy encompasses a wide range of activities that can be carried out at federal, state, and local levels, by different stakeholders ranging in size from individual people to larger organizations. These activities include advocacy and lobbying; policy creation, implementation, and evaluation; activism; and participation in governance (for example, by attending city council meetings, meeting with your member of Congress, or even working in Congress).

In reality, science policy spans a much larger subset of activities. You can work in science policy as Sheeva does, as a science communication and public relations professional communicating science to drive policy through public-facing communications; she has written documents to be read by members of Congress as well as people in the White House.

Importantly, you do not necessarily have to have a job that is a “science policy” job in name to actually do science policy. Science policy can include working on a political campaign or getting out the vote for a pro-science political candidate. The key is to figure out where you can interface with policy and do that!

Why Is Science Policy Important?

Science policy is crucial because it:

• Directly affects laws and institutional and social programs
• Directs legislators in creating, implementing, and evaluating policies
• Effects social change at the individual and institutional level
• Informs the public, politicians, and science professionals

Examples of Science Policy in Action

Various scientific fields engage in science policy in different ways:

• Medical/Biological Science: The American Medical Association promotes policies related to healthcare access and medical research funding through public knowledge-building initiatives as well as lobbying members of Congress directly.
• Environmental Science: Scientists can advocate for evidence-based environmental regulations and sustainability initiatives, for example. The American Geophysical Union has a page with science policy information, opportunities, and resources.
• Physics and Astronomy: Science researchers like Christopher Martin have served on Senate subcommittees influencing space and science policy. The American Institute of Physics also has their AIP Science Policy News website where people can read about science policy across all types of science.
• Social Sciences: Social scientists can provide comparative research and policy evaluations to inform social programs. They can also provide policy evaluations, suggestions, and theories of social institutional and group behaviors and trends. In May 2024, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy published a blueprint for using social and behavioral science to advance evidence-based policymaking, which is another specific area social scientists can contribute directly to policy.
• Psychology: The American Psychological Association is one of the most active science policy organizations, contributing through advocacy on Capitol Hill and by their work pairing psychologists with the APA legal team to write amicus briefs for Supreme Court cases. If you are an APA member, get involved! The Society for Community Research and Action (SCRA), Division 27 of APA, also serves disciplines focused on community research for social justice.
• Criminology: Organizations such as the National Institute for Criminal Justice Reform advocate for evidence-based reforms in the criminal justice system.
• Political Science: The field of Public Policy & Administration, for example, as described by Texas A&M university, deals with how governments and non-governmental actors respond to public issues and create policy change.
• Science Diplomacy: Science diplomacy uses scientific collaboration to build international relationships and address global challenges.

A lot of issues that are not typically thought of as “scientific” have a science policy component: agriculture, environment/energy, defense technologies, etc. Science itself is funded by the federal government, so not only does the scientific process require an understanding of the federal legislative process, a lot of political decisionmaking increasingly requires science knowledge.

How to Get Involved in Science Policy

Anyone can participate in science policy, regardless of their scientific background. Here are some ways to get involved:

1. Join scientific societies or organizations in your field, as they often have a policy arm and interface directly with government.
2. Engage with policy teams at academic institutions or non-profits.
3. Participate in science policy internships or fellowships.
4. Contribute to parliamentary processes, such as providing evidence to select committees.
5. Attend town halls and engage with local representatives.
6. Stay informed about current science policy issues and debates.

For more ways, check out this blog post. Oh, and check out all of our science policy blogs, including our science policy recap from the AAAS 2024 Annual Meeting, as well as Sheeva’s multi-part blog series, “A Scientist in Politics,” for more ideas!

Conclusion

Science policy is a vital bridge between the world of research and the realm of governance. While science and politics are two different worlds in many ways, scientists can navigate both worlds to create meaningful change. By staying engaged in the political process and being willing to learn, anyone can contribute to shaping science policy and, by extension, our collective future. Whether you’re a seasoned researcher or a concerned citizen, your input can help ensure that science continues to inform and improve our society.