When Science Makes Politics and Vice Versa
Evidence-based policymaking: fantasy, marketing slogan or reality? Its strict embodiment may not be found anywhere, but its variations are absolutely everywhere.
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Research Spending Could Be Lone Bright Spot for U.S. Science After Election Sets Up Divided Government
Research Spending Could Be Lone Bright Spot for U.S. Science After Election Sets Up Divided Government
Likely Republican control of the House presages fiery hearings attacking Biden, but also gridlock
UK Needs Bigger Role for Science in Government, Says Chief Scientist
UK Needs Bigger Role for Science in Government, Says Chief Scientist
The UK's Chief Scientific Advisor says every government department needs to take science into consideration and invest more in R&D.
COVID Inquiry: the UK Government's Pandemic Response Was Often Not 'guided by the Science' - Yet Now Scientists Are Under Fire
COVID Inquiry: the UK Government's Pandemic Response Was Often Not 'guided by the Science' - Yet Now Scientists Are Under Fire
An ongoing narrative seeks to shift the blame away from the government for mismanagement of the pandemic, by depicting it as beholden to all-powerful scientists.
What Italy's Far-Right Election Victory Means for Science
Researchers fear further cuts to funding and a lack of action on climate.
Where is the UK Science Minister? Government's Plans Worry Researchers
New Prime Minister Liz Truss has yet to appoint someone to oversee research, and her economic policy has sparked a currency crisis.
Prime Minister Scraps Science Policy Body in Cabinet Shake-up
The number of cabinet committees has been slimmed down from 20 to just six, with the National Science and Technology Council among those abolished.
Inside the US Supreme Court's War on Science
A new ultraconservative supermajority on the United States' top court is undermining science's role in informing public policy. Scholars fear the results could be disastrous for public health, justice and democracy itself.
We Don't Necessarily Need a Scientist at the Head of the Office of Science and Technology Policy
We Don't Necessarily Need a Scientist at the Head of the Office of Science and Technology Policy
The OSTP is without a leader in the wake of a scandal. It's time for the White House to think about getting a new kind of director.
Want Your Research to Have an Impact on Policy? Know Your Audience
Want Your Research to Have an Impact on Policy? Know Your Audience
Politicians are novices by design, so tailoring your communications with them gives you the best chance of cutting through.
Politics and Expertise: How to Use Science in a Democratic Society
The Covid-19 pandemic has underlined the importance of scientific advice to modern policymaking. But how can the use of expertise in politics be aligned with the needs and values of the public?
COVID's Lesson for Governments? Don't Cherry-Pick Advice, Synthesize It
COVID's Lesson for Governments? Don't Cherry-Pick Advice, Synthesize It
Too many national leaders get good guidance yet make poor decisions.
The UN Must Get on with Appointing Its New Science Board
The decision to appoint a board of advisors is welcome - and urgent, given the twin challenges of COVID and climate change.
Swiss-Backed Project Aims to Avert New 'Cold War' in Science
Swiss-Backed Project Aims to Avert New 'Cold War' in Science
Concerns about a "new Cold War" over science and technology are a major reason behind the creation of a new think tank that looks out for future advances and development.
COVID's Lessons for Climate, Sustainability and More from Our World in Data
COVID's Lessons for Climate, Sustainability and More from Our World in Data
International agencies need the mandate, funds and expertise to connect information - otherwise pandemics, hunger and unsustainability will go unsolved.
Kristian Krieger and Stijn Verleyen on Mapping Europe's Science Advice Landscape
Kristian Krieger and Stijn Verleyen on Mapping Europe's Science Advice Landscape
When it comes to science advice infrastructure, Europe is far from a unified whole. That’s why the European Commission’s science service, the Joint Research Centre, set out to map the entire landscape, looking not only at European and national level but also digging into the way science influences policy within regions and even individual cities.
Science Advisors Gather in an International Call for Evidence-Based Policy Making
Science Advisors Gather in an International Call for Evidence-Based Policy Making
The largest-ever independent gathering of interest groups, thought-leaders, science advisors to governments and global institutions, researchers, academics, communicators and diplomats is taking place in Montreal and online.
The Wuhan Lab Leak Theory is More About Politics Than Science
The Wuhan Lab Leak Theory is More About Politics Than Science
Whatever Biden review finds, the cause of the pandemic lies in the destruction of animal habitats.
Key Steps Faculty Should Take to Facilitate the Use of Science in Policy Making
Key Steps Faculty Should Take to Facilitate the Use of Science in Policy Making
How to facilitate the use of science as a key element of the policy-making process.
What the Heck Happened to John Ioannidis?
John Ioannidis is a highly influential scientist whom we at SBM have lauded on many an occasion. Since the pandemic, though, he's downplayed the dangers of COVID-19. What the happened to him?
Citizen Initiative Yields New Parliamentary Science Office for Spain
New body will foster evidence-informed decision-making and awareness programmes for the public
'Science Should Be at the Centre of All Policy Making'
Coronavirus has shown how good science should be embedded in all big political decisions.
'Superagency' May Further Politicize Indonesian Research
'Superagency' May Further Politicize Indonesian Research
Indonesia has dismantled its science ministry and created an overarching national research agency, a move some scientists worry will strengthen political control over research in a country where academic freedom is already under pressure and politics have taken an authoritarian turn.
India, Brazil and the Human Cost of Sidelining Science
Governments that ignore or delay acting on scientific advice are missing out on a crucial opportunity to control the pandemic.
Biden Has Elevated the Job of Science Adviser. Is That What Science Needs?
Biden Has Elevated the Job of Science Adviser. Is That What Science Needs?
The Senate is considering Eric S. Lander's nomination after months of delay. Some experts ask if an adviser can actually have an impact.
First Round of Hearings by Congress Back a More Muscular NSF
Senate, House of Representatives panels examine proposals for massive spending hike and new directorate.
Florida Poised to Pass Bill Allowing Students to Record Classes
Florida is poised to pass a bill allowing students to record classes for personal use -- and to complain about professors who violate students' free expression.
The Antiscience Movement Is Escalating, Going Global and Killing Thousands
The Antiscience Movement Is Escalating, Going Global and Killing Thousands
Rejection of mainstream science and medicine has become a key feature of the political right in the U.S. and increasingly around the world
We Must Urgently Build an Inclusive Science Advocacy Movement
We Must Urgently Build an Inclusive Science Advocacy Movement
On March 4, 1969, the Union of Concerned Scientists held its first public event at MIT with the goal of disrupting teaching and research to give way to a different kind of teaching-reflecting on the misuse of scientific knowledge. It's relevance is continued.
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