In an era of rapid global transformations, the interface between science and policy-making hinges on interrelated concerns: public trust in science, the freedom and protection of scientific researchers, and the upholding of ethical standards.
Science and the knowledge it provides are fundamental to meeting the crises facing humanity, and to the continued protection of our values.
The World Science Forum in 2024 offered an open dialogue space on these issues.
A main message was that the erosion of trust in science and in institutions more broadly requires urgent action. It is difficult to distinguish credible sources from misinformation, and social media platforms exacerbate this problem – algorithms favour sensationalised content rather than what can sometimes be seen as more tedious scientific knowledge. In such context, scientists communicating with society becomes very important.
The freedom of scientific research was discussed at a ministerial roundtable and a side-event organised by UNESCO. Scientists face increasing and complex threats, based on their personal characteristics, their choice of research, or the context in which they conduct that research. Researchers from the Global South see their choice of research topic dictated by funding considerations while armed conflicts taking place across the world increase the pressure on scientists’ freedoms.
A number of panels included policy-makers and academics together discussing how to strengthen trust in science and promote effective co-operation and dialogue between scientists, policy makers, and civil society. The production of “fit for purpose” content and improved communication were seen as key antidotes to scepticism in science and more evidence informed policy making.
Communication can have other beneficial effects – science can be inspirational. When we talk about the science policy interface, there must be an inclusive ‘all of society approach’. Social movements bring change and benefit all of us. Local authorities can offer valuable lessons we can learn from. Learning vertically from local experiences can help draft national policies and frameworks.
In the field of rapidly developing technologies such as biotechnology and generative AI, The role of science is to have a critical eye to the public good, to reflecting what the people need, what society needs, and finding a fair balance between risks and benefits. It would be critical going forward that public investment in AI research continues – if all we have is corporate investment, the likelihood of unequal access to the benefits that come from it would be significantly higher.
The Forum concluded with a , considering that past arrangements were superseded by the modern science ecosystem and all its protagonists. Such a contract should be anchored in universal values, including the right to science and scientific freedom, and its implementation rely on converging efforts of all science stakeholders.
