Dr Kamiel Gabriel, founding associate-provost of research and graduate programs, UOIT

The changing nature of science advice: are we entering a post-evidence era?

By Kamiel Gabriel

Evidence-based decision-making (EBMD) has emerged as a defining issue in S&T research and policy circles, energizing discussion and debate over the role science plays in informing government. Enthusiasm is surging in Canada following the election of a Liberal government committed to science and evidence in decision-making as central to its governing strategy. The government has mandated its minister of Science to create the position of a chief science officer. Ontario is following suit to create a provincial CSO by the Spring of 2017.

On the international front, the topic is receiving equally strong interest. An international gathering of 600 people from over 70 countries descended on Brussels at the end of September at the European Commission headquarters.

Speakers included high-ranking EC commissioners for research, science and innovation, education, culture and youth. Also in attendance were senior members from UNESCO, UN and the UK parliament. The conference was co-chaired by Sir Peter Gluckman, the chief science advisor to New Zealand's Prime Minister, and the chair of the International Network for Government Science Advise. INGSA is a newly formed organization aimed at promoting capacity building for evidence and an understanding of the needs, skills and principles related to evidence brokerage.

The conference covered many aspects of science advice mechanisms and challenges. Topics included: developing the practices of science advice; responding to global policy challenges (e.g., climate change, migration, and health); advising across boundaries and borders; scientific advice for translational structures; science advice for and with society; and, how to provide timely advice in emergencies. Several themes emerged from the conference with views that provided some stunning new realities.

Carlos Moedas, the EC Commissioner for Research, Science and Innovation stated: "We may have moved to the post-evidence or post-truth era. We need to find the right balance between emotional and truthful advice." He also said scientific advice is no longer based on truth alone. It must explain the evidence upon which it was based and bring more evidence from other disciplines such as humanities and social sciences. He argued that the public will only believe in those who provide the reasons for the evidence they provide. The results from the UK vote on Brexit was used as an example of such need.

Gluckman added that science-evidence is complex, messy and incomplete since "facts" are often uncertain with different world views of subjects. He asserted that what is needed is an evidence "brokerage" at the interface between science, policy and society, concluding that "science and policy making are largely distinct cultures. The interaction between them is influenced by context, culture, values, history and the relationship with society".

And then there is the relationship between science-based decisions and societal values. Scientific process is based on critical thinking, skepticism, ethics, choice of questions, integrity of the process, biases in collecting data and their limitations in providing "the whole truth". But societies think in terms of "boundaries". In many ways, the practice of science advice has become a key pillar in what has been called the "new social contract for science".

The role of science advice is to translate knowledge, making it relevant to society through better-informed policy, and by helping communities and their elected representatives make better-informed decisions that benefit their constituencies.

But evidence-based scientific advice, and the policies that are developed based on them, is a multi-dimensional and non-linear process. It must be adaptive and supportive of the external environment. Also, the voice of science-based, evidence-based advice should be heard at the local level.

So, what do I glean from all of this? Below is a brief summary:

•  Science advise based on evidence takes place in an ecosystem which influences its effectiveness. This ecosystem involves citizens and policymakers, as well as academics and experts in the field.

•  The ecosystem helps in developing solutions that provide effective alternatives to policymakers.

•  The process needs engagement with society. Citizen engagement is crucial. Citizen science programs need to be encouraged first and foremost.

•  Science advice is only one part in the policy development process. Politicians need to trust the process.

•  Policymakers are more comfortable in silos. Building bridges with them take time.

•  Advice should be given in the right time at the right place. Unsolicited advice usually falls on deaf ears.

•  We need to pay attention to the voices of soft science and also to differentiate based on cultural norms and expectations.

Last November, the Canadian Science Policy Conference organized a symposium on EBMD at its gathering in Ottawa that was well attended by over 100 people from government departments, academia, current and former MPs, and policy analysts. At the conclusion, consensus emerged that, while science is a fundamental competitive resource in a knowledge-based economy, existing Canadian science advisory bodies are failing to bring EBDM into the decision-making process. Some of the recommendations made at the symposium included:

•  Establish a framework for evidence to encourage integration of science into practice;

•  Design process to determine there is sufficient credible evidence. Transparency is key in building trust and credibility;

• Engage Parliament through establishing a parliamentary science office;

•  Network and support independent organizations communicating science evidence to the public; and,

•  Promote leadership in Canadian science policy and develop alliances with other players.

CSPC is organizing a second symposium at its 2016 conference in Ottawa. Interested individuals are encouraged to register at www.cspc2016.ca

Dr Kamiel Gabriel is the founding associate-provost of research and graduate programs at UOIT and former ADM Research and Science Adviser at the Ontario Ministry of Research and Innovation.