The Workshop Series Is Science Advice for Policy useful in modern societies?, to take place on 11, 18 and 25th March 2021, aims to contribute to a broader debate on the relation between science and policymaking. More specifically, it aims to discuss the nature of science and the appropriate extent of its contribution to policies and societal developments. The role of scientific policy advice, both at Parliament and Government level, will be discussed focusing on its challenges and risks, including the increasing extent of misinformation and the systematic undermining of science and scientific experts observed from parts of our society.
The generation and uptake of scientific information relatively to Covid-19 pandemic will be used as a focal example, providing an important opportunity to both learn about the current emergency itself but, more broadly and prospectively, to learn lessons and strengthen the science advice system in preparation for future challenges.
Speakers:
1st Workshop – SCIENCE FOR POLICY: WHAT DOES IT MEAN?
- Bart Koelmans, Professor in aquatic ecology and water quality, Wageningen University (to be confirmed)
- James Wilsdon, Professor of Research Policy at the University of Sheffield and Director of the Research on Research Institute
- Heather Douglas, Associate Professor at Philosophy Department, Michigan State University
- Maria Graça Carvalho, Member of the European Parliament, former senior advisor of the Commissioner for Research, Science and Innovation from 2014-2015
2nd Workshop – SCIENCE ADVICE TO GOVERNMENT – WHY IS IT RELEVANT?
- Renzo Tomellini, Head of Unit, Scientific Advice Mechanism, DG Research and Innovation EC
- Carlos Moedas, Trustee at Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, former European Commissioner for Research, Science & Innovation from 2014-2019
- Peter Gluckman, Chair of the International Network for Government Science Advice (INGSA)
- Carole Mundell, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office FCDO Chief International Science Envoy
3rd Workshop – SCIENCE ADVICE TO PARLIAMENT – WHY IS IT RELEVANT?
- Grant Hill-Cawthorne, Head of POST, UK
- Melanie Peters, Director of Rathenau Instituut, NL
- Andreu Climent, President of the initiative “Science in Parliament”, Spain
- Carla Sousa, Vice-President of the Parliamentary Committee on Education, Science, Youth and Sports, Portugal (to be confirmed)
Organisation: Mara Almeida (CFCUL/GI3), Frederico Lyra and Cláudia Nunes (British Embassy Lisbon)