Read on Twitter
I'm tuning into this @E4Dca webinar right now, where @kimberlygirling is talking about the past, present and future of science advice in Canada. #cdnsci
Here's a thread of some of the key points
https://twitter.com/E4Dca/status/1309236162394025984
Here's a thread of some of the key points
https://twitter.com/E4Dca/status/1309236162394025984
There are a few science advisors across the world, including the @ChiefSciAdvisor (New Zealand), @ScienceChiefAu (Australia) and @ChiefSciCan here in Canada.
Why are science advisors needed?
There are not that many decision-makers who have training in science - see @sung_vanessa & @oxidantshappen's @ipoliticsca piece ( https://ipolitics.ca/2019/11/28/do-we-have-enough-scientists-in-parliament/)
Evidence-based decision-making is hard in practice
Can be an external voice
There are not that many decision-makers who have training in science - see @sung_vanessa & @oxidantshappen's @ipoliticsca piece ( https://ipolitics.ca/2019/11/28/do-we-have-enough-scientists-in-parliament/) Evidence-based decision-making is hard in practice Can be an external voice
Kim recapped a brief history of science advice, including a Science Secretariat in Privy Council (1960s), Science Council of Canada (1969-1992) & a National Science Advisor role.
If you're looking for more, I recommend this piece by @SciChefQC et al https://www.nature.com/articles/palcomms201648
If you're looking for more, I recommend this piece by @SciChefQC et al https://www.nature.com/articles/palcomms201648
Some more key historical milestones:
It was a dark time for science under the Harper federal government, leading to the Death Of Evidence protest ( https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/death-of-scientific-evidence-mourned-on-parliament-hill-1.1218019)
In the 2015 election, science became a critical issue ( https://www.theguardian.com/science/political-science/2015/oct/21/how-science-helped-to-swing-the-canadian-election)
It was a dark time for science under the Harper federal government, leading to the Death Of Evidence protest ( https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/death-of-scientific-evidence-mourned-on-parliament-hill-1.1218019) In the 2015 election, science became a critical issue ( https://www.theguardian.com/science/political-science/2015/oct/21/how-science-helped-to-swing-the-canadian-election)
Under the new Liberal government, the new Minister of Science (i.e. @KirstyDuncanMP) commissioned a Fundamental Science Review ( https://www.sciencereview.ca/eic/site/059.nsf/vwapj/ExecSummary_April2017-EN.pdf/$file/ExecSummary_April2017-EN.pdf) There was also a public call for applications for the Chief Science Advisor role in 2016
In September 2017, Dr. Mona Nemer (a @uOttawa professor and Vice-President of Research) was appointed as the Chief Science Advisor to provide advice to the Prime Minister and Science Minister and help build bridges between federal scientists and academia.
http://www.science.gc.ca/eic/site/063.nsf/eng/h_97646.html
http://www.science.gc.ca/eic/site/063.nsf/eng/h_97646.html
In her three year mandate, the Chief Science Advisor has introduced a model policy on scientific integrity (to aid in unmuzzling federal scientists) and open science, convened a number of expert panels on various issues & appointed a Youth Council*.
*Disclaimer: I serve on this
*Disclaimer: I serve on this
Amid COVID-19, the Chief Science Advisor has facilitated the launch of @CanCovid, put out a call for open-access #COVID19 publications & is serving on multiple expert panels and task forces, including the COVID-19 Immunity Taskforce ( @COVIDimmunityTF).
http://www.science.gc.ca/eic/site/063.nsf/eng/h_98027.html
http://www.science.gc.ca/eic/site/063.nsf/eng/h_98027.html
However, Kim points out that the @ChiefSciCan mandate officially ended last week. The office is still here - what happens now, and why does this matter?
To address this, @E4Dca sent an open letter with >2,000 signatures, asking for the Chief Science Advisor role to be formalized via legislation, to expand the mandate to reflect the changing #cdnsci landscape & provide $2 million in additional funding. https://twitter.com/NatObserver/status/1305823928594518018
Why did E4D launch this campaign?
We no longer have a dedicated Minister for Science
There is a minority government - an election could be called at any time
The position isn't protected by legislation, could be cut at any time
We no longer have a dedicated Minister for Science There is a minority government - an election could be called at any time The position isn't protected by legislation, could be cut at any time
What could the CSA do in the future?
Maintain a science & technology lens in Canada's COVID-19 recovery plan, develop a national strategy
Support work on EDI, including integrating Indigenous knowledge
Lead a government-wide review of evidence-informed decision-making
Maintain a science & technology lens in Canada's COVID-19 recovery plan, develop a national strategy Support work on EDI, including integrating Indigenous knowledge Lead a government-wide review of evidence-informed decision-making
Kim notes that there are challenges and limitations to science advice, including no one advisor is going to be an expert in everything, evidence-based decision-making is hard & challenged by misinformation, and that science moves quickly (limited by time and capacity).
There are regional science advisors e.g. the @SciChefQC, Alberta's Chief Scientist (Fred Wrona) & Yukon's Senior Science Advisor (Aynslie Odgen) You can learn more about science advice at the International Network for Government Science Advice ( @INGSciAdvice) /fin
