Beyond the sheltering academic silo: Norms for scientists' participation in policy

Abstract

Over the past 75 years, the relationship between science and policy has been transformed as U.S. government priorities shifted from basic research post-World War II toward scientific knowledge that contributes to societal decision-making and spurs innovation. These macrolevel forces have restructured the landscape in which scientists interact with policymakers, creating new norms for their involvement in policy. This chapter focuses specifically on legislatures as one of the most consequential fora for policy decisions, but also hyperpolitical because of its representative function in democracies. In interviews, legislative staff in the U.S. Congress, who serve as gatekeepers for the flow of policy-relevant information, embrace a wide range of norms for scientists' involvement, but they also cite concerns about the effects of redefining these boundaries on scientists' authority. Researchers and their institutions should be aware of these broad trends in conceptualizing and strategizing their approaches to societal impact.

Keywords: Advocacy; Legislative science advice; Legislatures; Science and technology policy; Scientist roles in policy.