Science is the pursuit of knowledge.

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Written by Emily Selland on behalf of Scientist Network for Advancing Policy

Edited by Kass Fernandez, Cael Dant, and Jordan Williams

Science is the pursuit of knowledge. Ideally, this pursuit occurs publicly, with scientific research reaching the public as knowledge to be built upon by other researchers or to be translated into products, such as medical devices or new pharmaceuticals [1], and policies, such as seatbelt laws that save lives [2]. The flow of information begins with basic science research, which branches out into applied research, which, in turn, supports product development and evidence-informed policy-making (Figure 1). This flow, and the many intersections of science and society, may be loosely termed “science policy.” The juncture between science and society, however, has splintered [3–6]. This is where the Scientist Network for Advancing Policy (SNAP) comes in [7].

SNAP is a coalition of early career-researchers working to strengthen the capacity of science-informed policy.

By supporting the system of flow between science and policy, SNAP seeks to advance a more scientifically informed society. Policymakers do not inherently utilize scientific evidence, and the flow of scientific information in the United States has recently been weakened at both the state and federal levels in the United States [3,4]. This weakening is driven by a variety of players: research may be ineffectively communicated by scientists [5], inhibited by restrictions or funding cuts [6], or ignored or cherry-picked by policymakers [8]. No matter the driver, when science and policy are separated, society loses. With this current system being undercut, grassroots initiatives must fill the gap.

Through grassroots organizing, SNAP develops initiatives to increase science-dialogue between policymakers and their communities (STANCE on Science), encourage and support scientists communicating research to the public (McClintock Letters; various written pieces) and policymakers (Congressional Visits), and build a foundation of science-policy knowledge and motivation within the rising generations of scientists, engineers, and other researchers (SciPol Course Development; peer network development and trainings). Through these initiatives and others still in development, SNAP is making its voice heard and amplifying the voices of others. In particular, the coalition is growing the voices of early-career researchers, who bring fresh perspectives and expertise to the science-informed policymaking space. By supporting these early-career individuals as they develop into the future of research, policy-making, communication, and community outreach in the US, SNAP is increasing the capacity of our society.

It is more important than ever for early-career researchers to engage with science, policy, and society.

SNAP will be using this blog to share thoughts on upcoming initiatives, current events, member research, and other musings in the science policy and communication space. This is part of SNAP’s effort to amplify science and scientists to the general public at both the local and national levels. The group is strengthened by the diversity of early-career researchers involved and the variety of ideas and experiences they bring to SNAP. You’ll be hearing from a collection of SNAP voices in this blog — a symphony of the variety of perspectives and scientific knowledge within SNAP. We hope that you’ll follow along, and we welcome your comments and discussions!

Figure 1: The flow of research with and through society

Figure 1: The flow of research with and through society

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