From Honest Brokers to Lobbyists: What Could Be the Role of Scientists in Different Contexts and Countries?
Rather than asking what should be the role of scientists—a debate often limited by normative frameworks—this Science for Policy Great Debate asks: What could be the role of scientists in various governance and institutional contexts? The aim is to spark a forward-looking conversation on how scientists could engage across policy systems—acknowledging structural, cultural, and political diversity—and what mechanisms are needed to support that engagement sustainably. This Great Debate will also look ahead: What emerging structures and support systems are necessary to equip scientists with the tools, networks, mandates, incentives, and trust to work across science-policy boundaries? How can international collaboration respect national context while fostering shared ambition?
This session brings together researchers, policymakers, and science advisors from different countries and sectors to explore how scientists navigate their responsibilities and opportunities at the science-policy interface. How do political cultures, institutional structures, and public expectations influence the mandates scientists take on—from knowledge brokers and community advocates to embedded advisors and Horizon Europe Mission leads?
The oral presentations are given in a hybrid format supported by a Zoom meeting featuring on-site and virtual presentations. The button to access the Zoom meeting appears just before the time block starts.
Speakers
- Alessandro Allegra, University College London, United Kingdom
- Nicole Arbour, Belmont Forum, Panama
- Linda Lammensalo, Finnish Academy of Science and Letters, Finland
- Lorenzo Melchor Fernandéz