PANEL DISCUSSION: WHAT INFORMATION DO DECISION-MAKERS NEED FROM SCIENTISTS? HOW CAN SCIENTISTS PROVIDE INFORMATION IN A PUBLIC POLICY CONTEXT?

A common lament among scientists is the non-use or misuse of science in decision making, and a common lament among policy makers is the lack of “useful” scientific information upon which to base decisions, as well confusion over the often conflicting results of scientific investigations. Adding to the challenge is the commitment of many scientists to positions of non-advocacy and to scientific thoroughness while decision makers are pressed to make decisions on the basis of the best available science. The role of scientist as “expert” is also being challenged by society. New approaches offer a way to bring the scientist more effectively into the policy arena. In particular, collaborative approaches are transforming societal decision making and hold promise for achieving longer term consensus around critical societal decisions.