Research Institute for Sustainability Helmholtz Centre Potsdam

How can science better support policymaking?

28.09.2019

Today, more than ever, politicians rely on sound scientific advice to make decisions. The political issues that most need scientific input are those where the science itself is often complex and uncertain. A SAPEA working group under the leadership of Ortwin Renn has developed proposals for good scientific advice.

Pearl Dykstra, EC Group of Chief Scientific Advisors; IASS Scientific Director Ortwin Renn; David Mair, European Commission, DG Joint Research Centre (JRC)
Pearl Dykstra, EC Group of Chief Scientific Advisors; IASS Scientific Director Ortwin Renn; David Mair, European Commission, DG Joint Research Centre (JRC)

From climate change to pollution, economic crises and the digital transition – many of the problems that we face today are as pressing as they are complex. What's more, the scientific findings relevant to these issues are often uncertain or contested. SAPEA – "Science Advice for Policy by European Academies" – supports decision-making in these complex areas by providing independent scientific advice to the European Commission.

On 26 September, a SAPEA working group led by IASS Scientific Director Ortwin Renn presented a scientific evidence review report titled "Making sense of science for policy under conditions of complexity and uncertainty" as part of a panel discussion at the European Research and Innovation Days.

The report highlights a number of key conclusions on how political decision-makers can ensure they receive good scientific advice within contexts defined by complexity and uncertainty. One important chapter dealing with transdisciplinarity draws on concepts developed by the IASS.

The report includes a scientific opinion by the Chief Scientific Advisor, which was presented to the European Commission during the event. The European Research and Innovation Days is the first annual policy event of the European Commission to bring together the full spectrum of stakeholders to discuss and shape the future research and innovation landscape.

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Matthias Tang

Matthias Tang

Head of Press and Communications
matthias [dot] tang [at] rifs-potsdam [dot] de
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