From Research to Real Change: Bridging Science and Policy

Whether you are an applied scientist solving real-world challenges or a curiosity-driven researcher uncovering how our world works, you likely care about seeing your work make a difference. That impact might be measured in high-impact publications, new technologies adopted by farmers, breakthroughs used by medical providers, or tools shared with community partners. No matter the sector, sharing research beyond academic circles is critical for advancing both science and society.

One audience in particular—policymakers—plays a unique role in shaping the environment in which scientific advances can flourish. Today, let’s explore what science policy is, how scientific findings inform government decisions, and how researchers at any stage can begin engaging with the policy process.

What Is Science Policy?

The term science policy encompasses two connected but distinct concepts:

1. Policy for Science

This is the part of science policy most people recognize—advocacy for the resources and structures that support scientific research.

Policy to Science includes efforts to ensure:

• Federal research and development (R&D) funding

• Policies that support the scientific workforce (e.g., visas for students and trainees)

• Tax incentives that encourage innovation

• Education investments that strengthen STEM learning

Universities, scientific societies, and coalitions have well-developed strategies in this area, built on a foundation established by Vannevar Bush’s landmark 1945 report, Science, the Endless Frontier, which helped shape the modern U.S. research enterprise.

➡️ Read the report: https://www.nsf.gov/od/lpa/nsf50/vbush1945.htm

2. Science for Policy 

This is the less familiar—but equally critical—side of science policy. Science to Policy involves translating research findings into information decision-makers can use. Examples include:

• Epidemiological studies guiding vaccine policy

• Climate science informing infrastructure and resilience planning

• Agricultural research shaping conservation programs

• Engineering advancements shaping safety standards

Many researchers feel uncertain navigating this sphere—sometimes due to discomfort with the political process, or misconceptions about what counts as lobbying. As a result, Science to Policy pathways are often underutilized.

The Honest Broker Framework: A Path for Researchers

In The Honest Broker, scientist Roger Pielke Jr. offers a helpful model for how scientists can interact with policymakers without advocating for specific political outcomes.

The Honest Broker approach emphasizes:

• Presenting evidence clearly

• Explaining uncertainties and limitations

• Answering questions without steering toward one political conclusion

• Allowing policymakers to weigh tradeoffs among various options

While issue advocacy can be appropriate in certain contexts, honest-broker engagement builds long-term trust and strengthens the role of scientific evidence in institutional decision-making.

➡️ Learn more about the Honest Broker framework: https://rogerpielkejr.blogspot.com/p/honest-broker.html

Why Policy to Science and Science to Policy Are Linked

While these two concepts are often taught separately, in practice they reinforce each other. When scientists participate in policy conversations and demonstrate the value—and constraints—of research, policymakers gain a clearer understanding of why sustained R&D investment matters.

Bridging both sides helps create a healthier research ecosystem where:

• Policymakers understand the practical relevance of science

• Researchers understand how policy needs shape public investment

• Evidence is more readily incorporated into decision-making

This reciprocal relationship can strengthen institutional support for evidence-based policy over time.

How to Get Started: Practical First Steps for Researchers

You do not need to become a science policy expert to begin engaging meaningfully. Small steps can build your confidence and help you better communicate the real-world value of your work.

1. Stay Informed About Policy Issues

Understanding what your elected officials are working on can help you identify when your expertise is relevant.

• Sign up for newsletters from your local, state, and federal representatives
  (Find them here: https://www.usa.gov/elected-officials)

• Read or watch local news to understand community priorities
  

2. Connect With Organizations Supporting Scientist Engagement

Many groups offer trainings, networking opportunities, and guidance for scientists interested in policy engagement.

Recommended organizations include:

• Engineers & Scientists Acting Locally (ESAL): https://www.esal.us

• AAAS Center for Science & Policy: https://www.aaas.org/policy

• Science Network / Union of Concerned Scientists: https://ucsusa.org/science-network

• Professional Scientific Societies (e.g., AGU, AAAS, APS, ASM)

3. Practice Explaining Your Research to Non-Scientists

Friends, neighbors, and community members are often your most honest audience. Focus on:

• Why your work matters

• How it connects to local or state issues

• What problems your research helps solve

These conversations build the communication muscles needed for policy engagement.

You Don’t Need to Become a Policy Specialist

Science thrives when researchers remain deeply engaged in discovery, field work, lab work, and analysis. Not everyone needs to attend hearings, track legislation, or work directly with government agencies. But if more scientists take small steps toward sharing their expertise with the policy world—even informally—the cumulative impact can be enormous.

Wherever you fall on the spectrum of engagement, we invite you to join us in bridging the gap between science and policy to drive meaningful, real-world change.