Communication is key to understanding science
Ensuring effective communication between researchers and policy makers plays a key role in ensuring science lies at the heart of government strategy.
That was the message given in one of the key note presentations at this week’s British Society of Animal Science (BSAS) conference which is taking place in Edinburgh.
Scotland’s chief vet, Sheila Voas said that better understanding of the needs and thought processes of those on the other side of the science/policy interface could lead to better decision-making.
“While scientists often look for peer-reviewed perfection, policy-makers are more prone to looking for a ‘quick and dirty’ fix to a problem,” said Voas.
“If we’re looking for a policy to control an outbreak African Swine Fever or Foot and Mouth then policy makers would far rather have an answer which was 95 per cent right in two days than one which was 100 per cent right in six weeks time.”
Looking at the issue from the policy-makers perspective she said that time was often short and the pace fast while there was a need for non-technical language which didn’t involve the use of jargon, a whole
list of acronyms or reams of scientific formulae.
Andscientistsoftenfailed to appreciate or understand the policy cycle while they struggled to identify government priorities and also often had different drivers for their research.
“A key factor is to keep things simple on both sides – and good communication should recognise where tension might arise and move to address these.
“Researchers also need to realise that science will not be the only consideration factored into the decisionmaking process – and other evidence such as public opinion and economic issues have also to be taken into account when taking a pragmatic approach.”
Voas said that while some scientists had the ability to communicate their thoughts in a way which was readily understandable to non-scientists, there was an increasing need for “knowledge brokers” who could act as intermediaries
capable of interpreting the issues in both directions.
She told the audiencemade up of scientists involved in the technology, research and innovation which is currently shaping animal science as it develops to meet the world’s challenges – to make time for informal chats with policy makers.
Trust and understanding played an important role in fostering good communications – and that building relationships could make this much easier, a fact which was instanced in Scotland’s tight-knit community which ensured the country showed a high level of performance on this front.
“It is also important to be adaptable and realise that both needs and priorities change,” said Voas.
“And it is worth remembering that science is pointless if it is not communicated and acted upon.”