We must develop a science-policy engagement forum to popularise the breakthroughs in Indian labs
Many times scientific community and politicians come to crossroads while promoting scientific discoveries. Even though every research lab managed by central, state and private organizations does ground-breaking discoveries, very few get public attention. Why is it so? Every scientific research will have an output that is bound to affect the common man’s life. But the public is carried away by news value research like the space-related ones that get gets media attention. There are many labs where scientists toil their life to find cures for various diseases, develop high-yielding plant varieties, find solutions to conserve the ecosystem, make our daily life easier by developing various technologies for infrastructure and communication, etc. But unfortunately, poor scientists, though gets acceptance from their peer group, don’t find acceptance from the common man.
Even when our spending on R&D has tripled in the last 10 years, members of the scientific community and the public often complain about the lack of budgetary allocation for scientific research. Even after 75 years of experience, we don’t have confidence in our researchers. We still provide more value to people having overseas experience or publications in foreign journals for job selection. If India has to become the global leader in science our policymakers should value the scientific contribution made by the candidate in the Indian laboratories. Only these people can understand the issues affecting our society and find remedies for them. Only when scientific discoveries reach the poorest of society science will get respect and attention. Here comes the need to develop a science-policy engagement forum through which our scientific community, policymakers and citizen-science groups can frequently interact.
Science policy engagement refers to the active involvement of scientists and researchers in shaping and influencing policy decisions at various levels, including local, national, andnternational. By engaging with policymakers, political leaders, administrators and diplomats, scientists can contribute their expertise, scientific evidence, and insights to inform policy development and decision-making processes. Scientists should communicate scientific concepts, evidence, and findings to policymakers in a manner that is accessible, concise, and relevant to their policy concerns using language that policymakers can understand.
They should present scientific information in a format that is easy to comprehend, such as infographics, policy briefs, or executive summaries. Similarly, they should engage with a range of stakeholders, including NGOs, industry representatives, community groups, and advocacy organizations. Even people from industries should also be made part of this. Many times scientific discovery become popular only after the product reaches society. Collaborating with diverse stakeholders can help build coalitions, broaden the impact of engagement efforts, and strengthen the legitimacy of policy recommendations. They enable scientists to communicate their research findings, address gaps in their research, and recommendations to policymakers thereby highlighting their research findings at the global level. Building trust and rapport is crucial for effective engagement.
Science policy engagement is an essential avenue for scientists to contribute their expertise, promote evidence-based decision-making, and shape policies that address societal challenges. By actively engaging with policymakers, scientists can bridge the gap between science and policy, promoting the use of scientific evidence to inform policy choices. These interfaces should operate transparently, ensuring clarity about their purpose and processes. Openness promotes trust and credibility.
(Biju Dharmapalan is a science communicator & columnist)
