Political Problems Facing Governments in Using Scientific Advice, and Legal and Other Problems Facing Scientists when Trying to Give Independent Advice to Governments

TL;DR

This paper discusses the challenges governments face in accepting scientific advice and explores legal and practical issues scientists encounter when providing independent guidance to policymakers.

Contribution

It analyzes legal and institutional barriers to scientific advice and proposes options for scientists to effectively communicate with governments and the public.

Findings

Governments often hesitate to accept well-founded scientific advice.

Legal relationships influence the provision of scientific guidance.

Options exist for scientists to improve communication with policymakers.

Abstract

It is the role of the scientific community to provide for the knowledge of scientific facts and technical capabilities as a background for political decision-making. The reasons are given why governments are sometimes not ready to accept well-founded advice. The legal relationship between governments and scientific research are considered. The options available to the scientific community for supplying useful advice to decision-makers and to the public in questions of general concern are delineated.