Royal Society comments on new discussion paper

News release from the Royal Society of New Zealand
18 April 2011

Royal Society of New Zealand comments on new discussion paper

A new discussion paper about policy formation and evaluation released last week by the Prime Minister’s Chief Science Advisor, Professor Sir Peter Gluckman, has been praised by the Royal Society of New Zealand.

Dr Garth Carnaby, President of the Royal Society of New Zealand says the paper entitled ‘Towards better use of evidence in policy formation’ is “one of the most compelling reasons why the chief science advisor’s office is valued”.

“The paper is both measured and covers the key points well. We support the efforts to encourage the use of evidence in Government policy making,” he says.

“Effective policies are best based on sound, high quality evidence and all policies should be monitored and evaluated for their impact and to improve their delivery.

“To achieve this, government needs more sources of strong, independent, scientific advice and departments need expert advisors with the capability to contract and interpret external research,” says Dr Carnaby.

“Ultimately, this comes down to people - skilled advisors who can move easily between the public sector and the scientific community. The Royal Society of New Zealand plays an ongoing role in bridging the cultural and institutional barriers between government and researchers.

“The really big opportunity is with the large budget social agencies where there is room for much more coherency in the research that they contract.

“Providing advice on the complex and interconnected issues in this area requires a great deal of social science to be done. As Sir Peter states, a great deal of work should also be put into integrating and communicating expert advice to avoid ‘policy decisions based on dogma and ideology’.”

ENDS

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