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Six ways to put the public at the heart of science and policy
Nature • • science
Key Points:
- Public involvement in science and technology policy remains limited, with communication mostly between policymakers and academics, despite the importance of issues like AI, pandemics, and clean energy transitions.
- Participatory research, which engages communities in setting research priorities and interpreting evidence, is underfunded and undervalued in academia, though involving the public can increase trust and relevance of scientific outcomes.
- Governments should incorporate citizens into science advisory bodies early through methods like citizen panels and consensus conferences, as demonstrated by successful examples in Denmark, NASA, and the UK.
- Recognizing and integrating diverse knowledge systems, including Indigenous expertise, requires formal institutional frameworks and co-governance, with universities and funders promoting inclusive research practices.
- Transparency, honesty about scientific uncertainties and values, and culturally grounded engagement strategies are essential to build public trust in science and policy, as seen in responses to COVID-19 and community health initiatives.
