Key Concepts
CSER has developed this tool for any stakeholder interested in the potential that comes from building Science-Policy interfaces to tackle different issues.
The Science-Policy Interface (SPI) approach brings together networks of stakeholders from policy and science communities to emphasise knowledge-building, information sharing and improved alignment.
In this case, we focused on the challenge of the Global Governance of Global Catastrophic Risks (GCRs). However, our approach can be used as the basis for building up any expert group that requires the active membership of experts from the policy and academic world.
Purpose of the Tool
Clarissa Rios Rojas introduces the Science Policy Interface at CSER’s 2022 conference
There is a general agreement that science and policy should work together to improve research and governance. However, numerous obstacles often prevent effective communication and collaboration between the two fields. The CSER Science-Policy Interface (SPI) expert group was created to co-analyse, co-create and co-deliver policy recommendations that can aid the global governance of GCRs. After a year of working together, we were able to:
- Increase awareness about GCRs beyond academia.
- Foster trust between academia and policy stakeholders.
- Identified critical points in GCR research and policy that can be improved.
- Amplified the voices coming from the Global South.
- Produce a guide on how we made it happen and lesson learnt.
History and Background
Clarissa Rios Rojas talks about the development of the Science Policy Interface at CSER’s 2022 conference
Our SPI was established through the collective work of more than 30 organizations from different continents (Asia, America, Africa and Europe) from January 2021 to February 2023. It started with a scoping exercise (February 2021), followed by setting up the GCR-Science Policy interface expert group (July 2021). Once the group was established, we hosted an online workshop (October 2021), monthly meetings (January to May 2022) and an in-person workshop (October 2022).
Thanks to the creation of the GCR-SPI expert group, our members have engaged in various collaborative initiatives. Some include working with the United Nations Disaster Risk Reduction office, the UN Secretary-General Office, the United Nations University or the UN Biological Weapon Convention. Furthermore, our members have supported each other in various GCR efforts, such as creating policy guides for academics, offering feedback on new grant proposals or giving feedback on policy efforts like a GCR Policy Ideas database.
Where to Get Started
Clarissa Rios Rojas discusses the future of the Science Policy Interface at CSER’s 2022 conference
The tool can be better used and understood if the following material is also read:
The article 7 Steps to Improve Global Catastrophic Risks (GCRs) Policy Work
The report Pathways Linking Science and Policy in Global Risk
