The Role of Values in Delivering Science Advice for Policy

In view of the increasing complexity and interdependency of policy challenges, more and more governments and governmental organizations are committed to evidence-based policymaking and investment in science advisory structures. The European Commission, for instance, recently set up a new High-Level Group of Scientific Advisors. At the same time, there may be increasing uneasiness among citizens about policymaking becoming too technocratic, with science and technology perceived to be dictating societal choices and thus ignoring cultural values and ethics. This uneasiness is reflected in increasing support for populist movements and politicians that appeal to the "gut feeling" and promise simple solutions while disregarding scientific evidence. At the same time, the scientific enterprise itself is not free of the influence of values. This session discusses how scientific advisors can engage in societal debates in an increasingly polarized political atmosphere. The aim is to create trust in science and enable constructive discussions that take into consideration both cultural values and the scientific evidence, but also disagreement between scientists. The session will also look at the role the social sciences can play in this context.