Virtual Issue: Science Policy How‐To's and Success Stories

Abstract

In today's contentious political climate, scientists feel compelled to engage with policy makers more than ever before. With concerns from how federal and state regulations and budgets impact the when, where, and how of science getting done (i.e., policy for science) to the use of science to drive informed, evidence-based decisions (i.e., science for policy), scientists want, and are oftentimes sought out, to bring their voices and data to the table. Our mission at ASLO is to empower our members to inform policy from the local level all the way to the international level. The L&O Bulletin routinely highlights pertinent policy issues in aquatic sciences, success stories of members interfacing with policy makers, and resources available to the community. We have put together a Virtual Issue, Science Policy How-To's and Success Stories, featuring popular articles, viewpoints, and meeting highlights from the Bulletin that discuss current science policy topics and happenings. This online-only issue can be viewed at http://bit.ly/PolicyVI. In this Virtual Issue, you will find a variety of resources that scientists at every stage in their career can use to get involved in the policy sphere. “All Hands on Deck: Engaging in Science Policy in the New Political Climate,” provides a brief primer on science policy, with strategies, advice, and how-to's discussed by the president of the Union of Concerned Scientists Ken Kimmel. For students and early-career scientists, there are numerous internships and fellowships that embed you within a federal or legislative office to get first-hand experience in the day-to-day grunt work of policymaking. These types of experiences are indispensible not just to those interested in transitioning to a formal career in science policy, but also to those wishing to gain a more thorough understanding of how to use their science to inform legislators and to build a network of useful contacts. ASLO meetings and conferences also feature special sessions, panel discussions, and communication workshops to help scientists “get their feet wet” in these areas. Highlights from various meetings are showcased in this issue. Throughout the Virtual Issue, you will also find that one of the major ways to influence policy is to more actively engage with the public (also known as the constituents!) “Aquatic Science: Informing Policy, Management, and the Public,” makes a compelling case for an “ecosystem-based approach” to science policy, framing the public-scientist-lawmaker relationship as an interconnected web of feedbacks with no component existing or succeeding in isolation. The Virtual Issue also features case studies in specific areas where science and policy are currently intertwined and presents frameworks for how to use science to inform decisions. For example, in “Measuring Lotic Ecosystems Responses to Nutrients: A Mismatch that Limits the Synthesis and Application of Experimental Studies to Management,” the authors discuss a very topical science policy issue (limits on nitrogen and phosphorus input into freshwater systems in the United States) and point out areas where scientists can make small changes to more effectively inform decisions on setting quantitative nutrient limits. This scenario is a great illustration of how having a more open and constructive dialogue between scientists and policy makers could lead to a substantial improvement in evidence-based solutions. “Who Owns the Ocean? Policy Issues Surrounding Marine Genetic Resources,” highlights a relatively new policy topic that brings to the forefront scientists who may not typically view their science as policy-related. As gene sequencing and sampling technologies drastically improve, the question of ownership and benefit sharing of the vast wealth of genetic information collected from the oceans outside of national jurisdiction presents a pressing policy need. The article points out that scientist input to these issues is critical so that any future legal framework enacted will foster, rather than hinder, scientific research. Our science policy Virtual Issue also profiles various ASLO members who have or are currently actively engaged in science policy and advocacy, including members who have served on ASLO's Public Policy Committee. Within these profiles, you will see how scientists and educators at all levels of their career, in a diversity of disciplines (from microbiology to climate science), are bridging their research to policy on the front lines. These profiles are full of useful advice for having productive interactions with policy makers and suggestions for ways to get involved. ASLO is interested in hearing from its members who are currently involved in science policy and advocacy to tell their stories or suggest ways we can support these activities. To propose an idea or submit a piece to L&O Bulletin on a science-policy related topic, contact Adrienne Sponberg at sponberg@aslo.org.