The Science-Policy Interface: What Is an Appropriate Role for Professional Societies

Scientists and their professional societies are seeking to increase their influence in shaping policy decisions. A recent call for natural resource professional societies to endorse position statements on economic growth raises questions about how scientific societies can and should effectively cont...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Bioscience 2008-10, Vol.58 (9), p.865-869
Main Authors: Scott, J. Michael, Rachlow, Janet L., Lackey, Robert T.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Advocacy
Climate change policy
Common fisheries policy
Company business management
Departments
Economic growth
Economic Progress
Endangered & extinct species
Environmental policy
Environmental scientists
Information sharing
Management
Natural resources
Natural resources conservation
policy
Political activity
Professional associations
Professional Biologist
Professional development
professional societies
Science
Science and state
Science organizations
Science policy
Scientific societies
Scientists
Slavic Languages
United States environmental policy
Wildlife conservation
Wildlife policy
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Summary:Scientists and their professional societies are seeking to increase their influence in shaping policy decisions. A recent call for natural resource professional societies to endorse position statements on economic growth raises questions about how scientific societies can and should effectively contribute to policy development. Taking a stand on policy issues is akin to serving as a policy advocate. We believe that natural resource professionals can most constructively contribute to policy development by conducting rigorous research that is policy relevant and by effectively conveying the results and policy implications of that research to all parties interested in the issue. By actively engaging decisionmakers and providing information on pressing policy issues, professional societies can increase opportunities to be recognized as sources for reliable, unbiased information about natural resources and their management.
ISSN:0006-3568
1525-3244
DOI:10.1641/B580914