What's Coming Up in Research Policy in the Second Half of 2025?
So far, 2025 has seen a flurry of policy initiatives as the new European Commission got down to work. August offers a moment to pause and reflect ahead of a busy autumn.
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Democrats Cite More Science Than Republicans in Policy Documents
Analysis of U.S. policy documents reveals very little overlap in the science that Democrats and Republicans cite, deepening concerns over shared facts.
Building Bridges Between Knowledge Production and Policy Decision-making
Building Bridges Between Knowledge Production and Policy Decision-making
Last May, scientists, political figures and members of Senegalese civil society met in Dakar to discuss the sustainable transformation of agrifood systems. At the core of the discussions was the national structuring of science-policy interfaces, spaces for exchange between two worlds that sometimes struggle to agree. This provided an opportunity to talk with Astou Camara, a researcher at the Senegalese Institute for Agricultural Research (ISRA), about the need to more effectively connect research and policy.
Learning Outcomes and Evaluation Metrics for Training Researchers to Engage in Science Policy
Learning Outcomes and Evaluation Metrics for Training Researchers to Engage in Science Policy
Making research evidence accessible and relevant to policymakers is one way that the scientific enterprise confers direct societal benefits.
Accelerating Climate Action in Unfavourable Local Contexts: the Role of Policy Entrepreneurship
Accelerating Climate Action in Unfavourable Local Contexts: the Role of Policy Entrepreneurship
Local authorities are expected to lead on net-zero delivery, irrespective of their capacity to do so. This paper addresses the extent to which they can act on climate change and how policy entrepreneurs can exert agency.
Human wellbeing on a finite planet towards 2100: new study shows humanity at a crossroads
Human wellbeing on a finite planet towards 2100: new study shows humanity at a crossroads
This study identifies five turnarounds which could fundamentally alter humanity's trajectory: ending poverty, reducing inequality, empowering women, and transforming global food and energy systems.
Understanding UK policymakers’ evidence needs through policy questions
Understanding UK policymakers’ evidence needs through policy questions
This study asked UK policymakers if there are common topics for which evidence is requested over time that cut across government departments or agencies, and if there is a preferred style in the way evidence is requested?
US Science Policy at a Crossroads
America needs a robust federal science and engineering enterprise now more than ever. But the scientific community's rigid defense of the Vannevar Bush model and its full-throated embrace of ideological DEI has left it politically exposed.
Co-creation of Research Agendas Could Strengthen Policy Research Engagement
Co-creation of Research Agendas Could Strengthen Policy Research Engagement
Research on the conditions for effective engagement between research and policy demonstrates whether policymakers should be involved earlier in the creation of research projects.
Climate policy can save half of the world’s glaciers
A study published in Science finds that twice as much of the world’s glacier mass could be preserved by meeting the 1.5°C threshold set by the Paris Agreement.
ISC Expert Group Publishes Nature Sustainability Comment on Scientific Priorities for Plastics Treaty
ISC Expert Group Publishes Nature Sustainability Comment on Scientific Priorities for Plastics Treaty
The Expert group on plastic pollution convened by the International Science Council outlines science-based recommendations to inform the final stages of plastics treaty negotiations and a robust and effective instrument.
UK science policy has a new priority: national survival
Tight funds and crazy world might force universities into some uncomfortable allegiances, says John Womersley.
Research, Progress and a 'feel Good' Factor: What Germany's New Research Minister Wants
Research, Progress and a 'feel Good' Factor: What Germany's New Research Minister Wants
Dorothee Bär has promised space travel, a computer games unit in her new ministry and less bureaucracy.
How Science is Used in Policymaking
The author experienced first-hand how science and policy intersect and are used in government during a week in Westminster and offers tips for engaging with policymakers.
Is Policy Keeping Up with Science and Technology Breakthroughs?
Ignacio Vázquez, Policy Lead at Wellcome, analyses recent reports on trends in scientific advancements and how policy makers internationally are responding.
Trump's Tech and Science Policy Chief Says Biden Led with 'spirit of Fear' and That Today's Progress Lags 20th Century Innovation
Trump's Tech and Science Policy Chief Says Biden Led with 'spirit of Fear' and That Today's Progress Lags 20th Century Innovation
In his first remarks since being confirmed as Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, Michael Kratsios said the government could do more with less, and called for partnering with the private sector and with academics in areas of national interest.
What Is Citizen Science And Why Should Policymakers Care?
This blog explores why citizen science matters and how governments can support its growth through inclusive strategies, robust infrastructure, and international collaboration.
Investing in vaccination more than paid off for U.S., study finds
Investing in vaccination more than paid off for U.S., study finds
Nation prevented far more in medical spending and lost productivity than it spent on testing, buying & delivering the 2021 vaccines.
Navigating Complexity: a Pattern Language Approach for Behavioral Science in Public Policy
Navigating Complexity: a Pattern Language Approach for Behavioral Science in Public Policy
This study explores the application of a behavioral pattern language approach as a means to enhance intervention efficacy and support policymakers and practitioners who seek to solve problems at scales that cross diverse contexts.
Africa's Dynamic Future is an Opportunity for European Universities
Africa's Dynamic Future is an Opportunity for European Universities
Africa is set for remarkable progress and transformation. Central to this development is the need to enhance higher education and research capacities across the continent and the European academic community has a unique opportunity.
Hopes Rise for New Laws to Unlock European Research Area
Efforts to keep implementation of the European Research Area (ERA) going continued this week with the publication of a second ERA policy agenda, covering the years 2025 to 2027.
Trump's Executive Orders Seek to Erase Scientific Truth
By denying the realities of sex, gender, and race, the White House's statements worsen inequity and cause harm.
Germany Slowly Rethinks Defence and Security Research
Germany Slowly Rethinks Defence and Security Research
Three years after the attack on Ukraine, positions are changing, but there is no more money in Germany for military research.
A Global Majority Trusts Scientists, Wants Them to Have Greater Role in Policymaking, Study Finds
A Global Majority Trusts Scientists, Wants Them to Have Greater Role in Policymaking, Study Finds
In what is considered the most comprehensive post-pandemic survey of trust in scientists, researchers have found a majority of people around the world carry widespread trust in scientists.
Glacier Intervention Research Isn't Just for Glaciologists
Prospects for mitigating sea level rise by slowing flows of glacial ice into the ocean are worthy of research, but this work must involve all rights holders and stakeholders.
Use Evidence-based Methods for Decision-making on Complex Policy Issues
Use Evidence-based Methods for Decision-making on Complex Policy Issues
Regular consultations with academics and the use of evidence-based methods can lead to important findings and reveal blind spots in science policy, according to The Young Academy in its report Informed choices.
What Does a Career in Science Policy Entail?
Science policy plays a crucial role in shaping research and funding, but its science policy analysts who evaluate and refine these policies to ensure that they effectively support scientific progress and innovation.
Advising Governments About Science is Essential but Difficult. So Train People to Do It
Advising Governments About Science is Essential but Difficult. So Train People to Do It
A great scientist doesn't necessarily make an effective science adviser - but schooling and practice can help to bridge the gap.
State Capacity and Varieties of Climate Policy
Multiple policy mechanisms exist to create climate policy. In this comment, the authors discuss the institution capacity and fiscal space that shape national policies around sticks and carrots mechanisms.
Assessing Potential Future Artificial Intelligence Risks, Benefits and Policy Imperatives
Assessing Potential Future Artificial Intelligence Risks, Benefits and Policy Imperatives
The swift evolution of AI technologies calls for policymakers to consider and proactively manage AI-driven change. This OECD's report distils research and expert insights on prospective AI benefits, risks and policy imperatives.
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