Ensuring that Science Has a Seat at the Table

Abstract

With crises including devastating weather and climate disasters, scientists have an important role to play in decision-making. Shown here is a tree ridge during the 2018 Woolsey Fire in California, which burned nearly 97,000 acres and killed 3 people. Photograph: Courtesy of Peter Buschmann, US Forest Service. With the world still gripped by the coronavirus, with devastating weather and climate disasters, and with attacks on science being spread through disinformation campaigns, there has never been a greater need for scientific engagement with public policy. Leaders in the scientific community are calling for better ways to incorporate science into decision-making during periods of crisis and beyond. Despite the challenges, these leaders are cautiously optimistic that science can have a meaningful seat at the table and that it can play an integral and balanced role in decision-making for government leaders and in informing the general public. Some of the optimism stems from the promises of the Biden administration to restore scientific integrity to federal policymaking. His early appointments on climate change, energy, and environmental policy have been encouraging.