The Australian House of Representatives at the Australian Parliament

Public policy and science advice

About

Science is integral to societal decision making, but the communication between the producers of knowledge and governmental decision making is not always smooth.

This research theme focuses on the nature of the communication between these two very different entities, including their different requirements, expectations, cultures and institutions. CPAS researchers are also regularly consulted by government institutions seeking external advice or research.

Our research investigates:

  • How do governments use scientific research?
  • How is scientific evidence used in political rhetoric?
  • What is the influence of government policy on science?
  • What happens when the goals of science and government clash?
  • How do scientists and policymakers communicate?
  • How can science communication benefit government activities and communication efforts?
  • How can science communication tools be used to evaluate government communication activities?


Photo from Wikimedia Commons.

Projects

This mixed methods study of survey and interviews explores farmers’ value systems and how these associate with interest in climate mitigation and adaptation.


This research is examining a body of evidence and its implications for science communication that shows Australia had a good public awareness of climate change science and its environmental/social implications in the late 1980s and that this understanding had dissipated by 2001.

This project aims to find out the different opinions around the world on the controversial subject of nuclear power by reviewing studies from around the world.

This project will describe ways of how PhD supervisors prepare their candidates for industry, by researching the methods of faculties of excellent research collaborations that have been identified through the Australian Research Council's Linkage Grant program.

This research attempts to unpack the incentives and outcomes around issue politicisation by interest groups.

People

  • Dr Sujatha Raman
  • Dr Darren Helpen

Members

Visiting staff

Headshot of Dr Liz Killen.

Visting Fellow

Student

Headshot of a man in a suit and tie.

PhD Researcher

Articles

A model of socialisation of science-policy, incorporating drivers of contextualisation. The model is three smaller circles connected via arrow inside a larger circle. The three circles are 'Scientific research and its products', 'policy interface', and 'societal impacts'.

Read blog from PhD Researcher Indy Strudwicke on reshaping science communication and engaging scientists and policymakers with the public. 

Read the article
Cover of a publication, blue background with pink contour lines. White text in the middle that reads, 'THE CONTEXTUALIZATION DEFICIT: Reframing Trust in Science for Multilateral Policy'

When trust in science is compromised, the capacity for cohesive global policy action is further diminished. How can the multilateral policy interface engage effectively with science in ways trusted by populations?

Read the article