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Conferences and summits

Science and policy making: towards a new dialogue

The 2nd International Network for Government Science Advice (INGSA) conference

Science advice has never been in greater demand; nor has it been more contested.

The most complex and sensitive policy issues of our time are those for which the available scientific evidence is ever-growing and multi-disciplined, but still has uncertainties. Yet these are the very issues for which scientific input is needed most. In this environment, the usefulness and legitimacy of expertise seems obvious to scientists, but is this view shared by policy-makers?

A two-day conference will take place in Brussels, Belgium, on Thursday 29th and Friday 30th September 2016. Jointly organised by the European Commission and the International Network for Government Science Advice (INGSA), the conference will bring together users and providers of scientific advice on critical, global issues. Policy-makers, leading practitioners and scholars in the field of science advice to governments, as well as other stakeholders, will explore principles and practices in a variety of current and challenging policy contexts. It will also present the new Scientific Advice Mechanism (SAM) of the European Commission to the international community. Through keynote lectures and plenary discussions and topical parallel sessions, the conference aims to take a major step towards responding to the challenge best articulated by the World Science Forum Declaration of 2015:

“The need to define the principles, processes and application of science advice and to address the theoretical and practical questions regarding the independence, transparency, visibility and accountability of those who receive and provide advice has never been more important. We call for concerted action of scientists and policy-makers to define and promulgate universal principles for developing and communicating science to inform and evaluate policy based on responsibility, integrity, independence, and accountability.”

The conference seeks to

  • Identify core principles and best practices, common to structures providing scientific advice for governments worldwide
  • Identify practical ways to improve the interaction of the demand and supply side of scientific advice
  • Describe, by means of practical examples, the impact of effective science advisory processes
  • Thursday 29 September 2016, 09:00 - Friday 30 September 2016, 17:00 (CEST)
  • Brussels, Belgium
  • Live streaming available

Practical information

When
Thursday 29 September 2016, 09:00 - Friday 30 September 2016, 17:00 (CEST)
Where
Charlemagne building
Charlemagne building, Rue de la Loi 170, 1040 Brussels, Belgium

Report