Betty Williams MP in the lab at Bangor University as part of this year's politician–scientist pairing scheme sponsored by the Royal Society.
For Leah Goldfarb, an invitation to work in science policy was written in the sky. After following the negotiations for the Montreal Protocol — the landmark international agreement to protect the stratospheric ozone layer — she chose to do her PhD work at the University of Colorado, Boulder, on atmospheric chemistry. "I knew I wanted to do science that was relevant to society," says Goldfarb.
Working with UC Boulder faculty involved in national and international discussions on climate and ozone kindled her desire to work in science policy rather than policy-relevant science. Work with a climate-modelling research group got her to Paris, where she soon found her present position as a science officer for the environment and sustainable development at the International Council for Science (ICSU). As problems such as climate change and desertification become more apparent, many European scientists are taking an interest in science policy. But how do they find work in this area?
Like Goldfarb, many start out doing science for organizations involved in social issues, before their concern leads them towards helping to shape policy. Scientific societies, international organizations, charities, lobby groups, government bodies and non-governmental organizations all need specialists working on science policy.
Others join independent think-tanks, to advise official bodies from the outside. Some even create their own science-policy positions by setting up a think-tank, or acting as independent advisers.
But before anyone takes the plunge into policy, veterans say they should consider what they wish to do in the long term: whether they want to move back and forth between science and policy, or make the decision to leave one world for the other.
SHORT TERM
One way to test the water is to take a short-term position. These are often available for scientists with specific technical knowledge and policy interests. This may also offer the opportunity to work abroad, with international organizations such as the United Nations (UN) and the World Bank.
For Leah Goldfarb, influencing policy won out over the lab.
Thomas Rosswall, executive director of ICSU, applauds the increasing number of opportunities for people with experience in policy-relevant, interdisciplinary science. Short-term positions at ICSU come up periodically and offer training in international policy. As the invited 'voice' of the scientific community at the World Summit on Sustainable Development meetings in Rio de Janeiro, ICSU enables trainees to get a bird's-eye view of policy development and become part of the network of international players.
The UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) recruits scientists for short-term, project-based positions that deal with legislation or public awareness of specific issues. Opportunities vary by country. "Many parliaments do not even have science committees," says Mustafa El Tayeb, director of UNESCO's science analysis and policies division.
The European Parliament's Scientific and Technological Options Assessment office offers a limited number of opportunities for short-term work experience. Its Ramón y Cajal scholarships are available to scientists and engineers, but unpaid research visits can be arranged as well.
Some countries are promoting interactions between scientists and policy-makers at the national level. In the United Kingdom some ten formal fellowships, each lasting three to six months, are funded by scientific societies, research councils and the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology. The fellows provide briefings on scientific issues to members of parliament (MPs).
Another option for experienced scientists is to be appointed a committee specialist for the House of Commons or the House of Lords, to advise their specialist committees. These are full-time paid positions lasting up to four years.
The Royal Society has set up a short-term pairing scheme in which a scientist shadows an MP for one or two weeks. In turn, the MP visits the scientist's lab. The hope is that each will then better understand the demands and constraints of their two worlds. Researchers will appreciate the parliamentary timetable, while the MP will become acquainted with the scientific community and its work.
Researcher-led think-tanks have popped up all over Europe to provide policy-makers with scientific advice. The US think-tank RAND has been advising policy-makers through research and analysis since 1948, and has European branches in Cambridge, Berlin and Leiden, the Netherlands. Relative newcomers include the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research in Norwich, UK; the Wuppertal Institute for Climate, Environment and Energy in Wuppertal, Germany; and the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis in Laxenburg, Austria.
These are creating jobs. Mike Hulme, executive director of the Tyndall Centre, hires a few postdocs each year to conduct research. Within the entire organization — a collaboration of nine research institutions and three UK research councils — there can be up to 80 postdocs. Research at Tyndall includes assessing viable options for reducing carbon dioxide emissions and examining society's options for adapting to unavoidable climate change.
MIXED TERMS
Opinions differ over the usefulness of scientists leaving science for policy. "Looking at the big picture — you don't want transfers of people from science into policy, you want a temporary shift," says Jonathan Grant, a health-policy specialist at RAND. "You want circulation." Some say that the most useful result of short-term exposure is for scientists to return to the bench with a greater understanding of policy needs.
Those who stay in policy may have to make sacrifices. "There is clearly a lack of structure, and little professional incentive for developing your career," says David Stanners, programme manager for strategic development and international cooperation at the European Environment Agency. But for some, such sacrifices are worthwhile. Goldfarb was happy about leaving the lab, but she passes on a warning she received when she switched from atmospheric chemist to science-policy officer. "Once you leap into science policy it's hard to get back into science," she says.
International Council for Science
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
World Health Organization
United Kingdom Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology
http://www.parliament.uk/post/home.htm
European Parliament Scientific and Technological Options Assessment
