Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM: Researchers in science, technology, engineering, math, and medicine (STEMM) have historically been disengaged from policy debates in many instances. However, an uptick in engagement of the scientific community in federal policy has been observed in recent years. METHODS: In the last five years, for example, many scientific societies and public interest groups have developed new or expanded programs to help train researchers and facilitate engagement opportunities, including meetings with Congressional staff, public comment writing for the federal docket, and direct engagement with the media on policy issues. Engagement also increased in other metrics, including scientist sign-on letters, participation levels in federal rulemaking, experts donating their time and expertise to provide independent science advice to decisionmakers, and the level of interest in policy conversations at scientific society meetings. RESULTS:Importantly, what was the effect of such engagement? Has there been positive impact of more technical experts engaging in policy process? Will such high levels of engagement be sustained through current and future presidential administrations? This talk will explore the real-world outcomes observed following meaningful engagement of STEMM experts in federal policy, using a few recent case studies. Examples will include instances of broad scientific community opposition to problematic policy proposals at the US Environmental Protection Agency, scientific community contributions to scientific priority setting under the Biden administration, and significant engagement from key experts on the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for particulate matter. CONCLUSIONS:Finally, a forward-looking perspective will be offered, including the potential for sustained heightened engagement levels and upcoming federal policy engagement opportunities for scientific researchers. Discussion of how engagement of STEMM experts can be sustained at the individual and institutional levels will also be raised. KEYWORDS: policy, scientific societies, engagement, activism, science advice, science policy
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