SCIENCE ADVICE FOR POLICY
BY EUROPEAN ACADEMIES

Matthew Flinders on science, political accountability and blame

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Combative debate, accusations and blame are often seen as legitimate tools in the toolbox of partisan political debate. Now, in the new world of high-profile science advisors stepping (or being dragged) into the political limelight, should they be held to the same standards of accountability as their political colleagues?

Two years on from the start of the pandemic, an era of public enquiries is beginning, and Professor Matthew Flinders has something to say about what dangers scientists face, and what practical skills they might need if they want to survive in the shark tank.

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Salvatore Aricò on science advice at the United Nations

How might the future of science advice look at the global level? Will the establishment of a UN Group of Friends on Science for Action be the catalyst that elevates science advice to the highest levels of multilateral decision-making, and how will this complement the Secretary-General’s renewed scientific advisory board? And what should the role of the international science community be?

In this episode, Dr Salvatore Aricò, chief executive of the International Science Council, shares his experience and his vision with Toby Wardman, drawing on practical examples to illustrate how such science advice mechanisms work in practice.

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