Subject: Información AFA ( Science and Public Policy)

From: "AFA Filial Buenos Aires" <[email-masked]>
Date: Thu, 3 May 2007 16:12:26 -0300

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      Agora
      The L'OREAL-UNESCO For Women in Science Forum and Newsletter 

      Request for Contributions to Our Next Issue: 

      Increasing the Impact of Science on Public Policy 

      Scientists can help provide solutions 

      for protecting our planet and improving our lives, 

      but too few policy makers are listening. 

      Societies must increasingly turn to science to solve the complex problems they face. Yet government officials, legislators, bureaucrats and other policy makers are often unwilling to act upon the range of possible solutions science provides. 

      This situation is, of course, largely due to the conflict between the long-term view taken by science and the short-term goals of politics. Implementing the solutions scientists propose frequently entails costs and sacrifices thought to be unpopular with voters and interest groups. Many believe, however, that we have reached a point where the short-term view is no longer tenable if our planet is to survive. Public policy must take into account scientific expertise as well as a scientific time frame. 

      Public policy is also ever more concerned with ethics, another arena in which the worldviews of scientists and lawmakers can collide. Scientists are sometimes deprived of the right, or at least the funds, to conduct what they consider valuable, legitimate research. As well, public opinion may perhaps exercise greater than usual influence on policy makers as they make decisions on ethics-related issues. 

      The next issue of Agora will be dedicated to "Increasing the Impact of Science on Public Policy". Please feel free to speak out on any aspect of this topic in any format, from just a few thoughts to a full-length article. The following questions are only suggestions: How can scientists take a greater role in helping determine public policy? What are the obstacles and difficulties faced by scientists? What sort of "outreach" work can scientists do to increase their much-needed influence on policy? How can scientists better convey their positions on ethics-related issues to lawmakers? To the public? Should scientists make a greater effort to speak directly to the public when governments fail to act? Do women scientists have a special role to play? 

      Agora welcomes all of your contributions, whether you have a general opinion to express or insight into how science and scientists can ensure better public policy in specific arenas such as environmental policy, energy policy, healthcare policy, population control, human rights or policy relating to women and women's issues.  

      One thing is certain: better-informed citizens will mean better public policy. Agora provides a forum for to increase public understanding of science. Don't miss this opportunity to make your ideas heard! Please send your contributions to [email-masked] before May 13th.   

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      Best regards,
      The Agora Team

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