When scientists communicate their findings to broader audiences, the medium they use can have a substantial impact on how the information is absorbed and used. In recent years, attention has shifted in science communication from a focus on traditional media sources, such as news broadcasts and journal articles, to social media. The ubiquity of social […]
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Measuring the Use and Influence of Research-Based Information
Effective use of research-based information is critical for informed decision- and policy-making. However, assessing the use and influence of such information can pose significant challenges due to the complex interactions between scientific knowledge, policy processes, and stakeholder interests (Bogenschneider et al., 2021; Englund et al., 2022; Soomai et al., 2016). In this blog post, we […]
Improving Use of Research-Based Information in Policy
The concept of evidence-based policymaking has gained significant traction in recent years. As societies grapple with increasingly complex challenges, from global pandemics to climate change, calls for policies that are grounded in scientifically-sound evidence have grown louder. However, the practical realization of this ideal remains somewhat elusive (Wardman, 2022). As a result, significant research efforts […]
What to Expect When Designing Public Consultations: Lessons from the Literature
Public involvement is key for policy development and revision. Governments undertake public consultation exercises to fulfil policy objectives ranging from information-sharing and increasing public acceptance to engaging in bi-lateral partnerships and power-sharing agreements (Doberstein, 2022; Health Canada, 2001). Public consultations can increase the perceived legitimacy of public decisions, build trust in institutions, and ensure that […]
New Paper: Information, Public Decision Making, and Climate Change: The Many Roles of Grey Literature
Today, the volume of information about the far-reaching effects of climate change is massive and growing. Following the discovery in the early decades of the twentieth century that rising global temperatures were primarily caused by carbon dioxide emissions, the number of publications on climate subjects rapidly spiralled upward, particularly since 2000. These publications could aid […]
Understanding Science-Policy Interfaces
While at first glance, the relationship between science and policy may seem simple, it is multi-directional and complex. This complex set of relationships between science and policy is known as the science-policy interface (SPI). Sybille van den Hove defined an SPI as “social processes which encompass relations between scientists and other actors in the policy […]
What is Evidence? Perspectives on Its Role in Policy Making
In this post, we investigate the various forms and difficulties associated with interpreting evidence and highlight its multifaceted nature. We consider the issue of different interpretations of evidence and emphasize the vital role of quality assurance processes such as peer review, which aim to assure the reliability and credibility of research. To effectively support policymakers’ […]
Where are local communities in Marine Spatial Planning?
How can local communities benefit from and be involved in marine spatial planning (MSP) was the top-of-mind question at a one-day workshop at Dalhousie University in Halifax on Thursday, 22 February 2024. Over 70 participants including representatives of non-governmental organizations, Mi’kmaw organizations, industry, academia, and government, and interested members of the public spent the day […]
New Paper: An Ocean Science-Policy Interface Standing the Test of Time
Since its establishment in 1969 by the United Nations, the Joint Group of Experts on the Scientific Aspects of Marine Environmental Protection (GESAMP) has been “providing authoritative, independent, interdisciplinary scientific advice to organisations and governments to support the protection and sustainable use of the marine environment.” GESAMP’s “first major task was to provide the main […]
Living in a Global Environmental Emergency Ward: The Need to Address Problems with Science, Action, and Speed
As the 2023 summer came to an end eastern Canada was in the midst of another hurricane season. By then, three storms had barreled up the Atlantic coast, with post-tropical storm Lee hitting the region directly. These storms followed several months of unsettled weather, resulting in Nova Scotia being marred by wildfires, excessive rain, unusual […]