268 Public Policy: The Not-So Great Divide—Where Science Meets Public Policy

Wednesday, 12 October 2011
1:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Room L100FG

SCIENCE AND DEMOCRACY: MEETING THE CHALLENGE

Paper number: 268-6
Program: Technical Sessions
Time: 2:45 PM – 3:00 PM

Authors

Abstract

Many of the tenets of science--freedom of inquiry, transparency, open and vigorous debate, and rigorous experimentation--are also vital tenets of democracy. They reflect shared values that promise common ground for Americans of all political inclinations and levels of education. Pragmatic public policy, informed by vigorous debate and drawing upon the best available science, has long been a hallmark of democracy in America. Yet in recent years, this tradition has eroded.

Meanwhile, some are working to restore scientific integrity to federal policymaking. In 2010, the White House articulated a set of scientific integrity guidelines that required agencies to formulate scientific integrity policies. Agencies are now hard at work implementing these policies and integrating scientific integrity into agency culture.

In this context, will discuss ways to improve common understanding among scientists, citizens, and policy makers of the value to society of science and science-based decision making.