Debate, criticism and controversy are vital parts of the evidence-based scientific process. But when these happen under intense public scrutiny, with high stakes, multiple agendas and sometimes violent opposition, the situation can take a dramatic turn. How can science advisors deal with these challenges?
Speakers
Anne Glover
Professor Dame Anne Glover was the first Chief Scientific Advisor to the President of the European Commission and the first Chief Scientific Advisor for Scotland. With a background in molecular biology, she is now President of the Royal Society of Edinburgh and also works to support women working in science, engineering and technology fields.
Roger Pielke Jr
Professor Roger Pielke, Jr teaches and writes at the University of Colorado Boulder on a diverse range of policy and governance issues related to science, technology, environment, innovation and sports. His research currently focuses on a 16-country evaluation of science advice in the COVID-19 pandemic.
Matt Flinders
Professor Matthew Flinders is a political scientist based at the University of Sheffield in the UK. He was the founding director of the Sir Bernard Crick Centre for the Public Understanding of Politics and Vice-President of the UK’s political studies association. He is currently the chair of the Universities Policy Engagement Network.
Lara Pivodic
Lara Pivodic is Assistant Professor at Vrije Universiteit Brussel, and a member of the Young Academy of Sciences of Belgium (Flanders). She has delivered scientific advice to multiple policy initiatives concerning end-of-life care, including the Flemish Ministry for Health. She also provided scientific advice to Austrian civil society organisations concerning the drafting of an assisted dying law in Austria.