Public engagement has tended to emphasise scientists’ relationships with the public. It has paid less attention to how they might influence policy. This page and the next describe the benefits of scientists advising policy makers, and how the two communities might understand each other better.

Michael Elves and Branwen Hide urge scientists to influence policy

We want to encourage scientists, engineers and technologists who are willing and able to explain their work to those in power. They need to be prepared to explain its significance for evidence-based policy making, and to provide advice to Ministers and civil servants on the science underlying proposed new policies.

We now accept that technology transfer and economic impact mean involvement with industry. It should also involve influencing policy.

Regulation affects research

When actively engaging in research, it is easy to become isolated and separated from developments around. New government and EU directives and initiatives are constantly being formulated, many of which have a direct impact on the research environment.

Most obvious are those which affect funding and mechanisms for distributing money for science, engineering and technology (SET). However there are, increasingly, new regulations being introduced which impact on the researcher.  Examples include legislation on the use of animals or human tissues, research involving embryos and stem cells, the genetic modification of crops and animals, and the control of chemicals. Engineers are also affected by a raft of regulations, on issues like pollution prevention and control, and waste and resource management.

Other areas are of less direct concern to the scientist or engineer, but his or her research experience in the field may have much to offer to the policy maker. It is becoming increasingly important therefore that the SET community develop a better awareness of new policy developments and the policy-making processes within government.

Incentives for involvement

Getting involved in the policy world can provide a better perspective on what the Research Councils and funding agencies are looking for today and in the future. This can help guide researchers’ activities and careers. 

They may also become aware of the different avenues for funding outside the standard agencies, such as the Technology Strategy Board, various government departments, major charities and non¬governmental funding bodies. 

In addition to this clear incentive, getting involved in policy can give the researcher a voice where it counts – with those responsible for the direction of research policy in the UK, and those formulating policies which should harness the outputs of research.

Though some civil servants, along with a handful of MPs, come with a SET background, it has often been some time since they were actively engaged with SET and much has changed since. Understanding the policy processes, and getting involved with them, provides the active researcher with the opportunity to let key policy makers know what issues and challenges face them today, and what developments may occur in the future.

How to become involved

Getting involved is not as difficult as could be expected. Most learned societies have an interest in science policy and actively respond to calls for evidence or provide inputs to consultations. Individuals wishing to become more actively involved can take on policy roles within their learned societies.

There are other bodies which specialise in helping researchers to understand how policy is made, and which will provide information, evidence and analysis to government departments. These include organisations such as Newton’s Apple and the Campaign for Science and Engineering (CaSE), which were established to examine issues relating to science and policy and to provide support to both SET and policy-making communities. 
 
By regularly consulting Research Council, funding agency, government department and Parliamentary Select Committee websites, you can keep abreast of current policy trends, and respond directly to calls for consultation or requests for evidence. Most consultations no longer involve large pieces of work, and encourage user participation.

The Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills has even launched an online consultation in the form of a blog. Attending workshops, such as the Newton’s Heirs workshops and other similar events, will introduce scientists and engineers to the policy makers themselves and also enable them to meet like-minded individuals.

Engagement is vital

The last decade has seen UK government investment in science and technology increase significantly – it now stands at almost £3.5 billion. The government therefore should rightly expect the SET community to use the outputs of publicly-funded research to make important contributions to the health and wealth of the nation.  

Engagement in the policy processes should not be seen as just a hobby or an interest but as a vital responsibility of scientists and engineers.

Reference

Newton’s Apple

Dr Branwen Hide is Chair of Newton’s Heirs

Dr Michael Elves is Chairman of Newton’s Apple Trustees