Science Policy 101:  The Integration of Science and Policy

This pre-conference workshop will provide a general overview of science policy, both in terms of “policy for science” and “science for policy.”  Given the theme of IPY 2012 -- "From Knowledge to Action" -- the workshop will place particular emphasis on the integration of science and policy.  Whether labelled as "from bench to bedside", "mind to market" or "knowledge to action" the need to translate and mobilize new ideas and scientific knowledge into useful applications and actions is receiving increasing attention by researchers, funding agencies and policy makers.

This introductory session is intended for researchers, policy analysts, journalists/communicators, students and others interested in gaining a basic understanding of science policy, and participants need not have any prior knowledge of science policy.  In addition to conveying basic terms and concepts, key players, key issues, etc., the interactive workshop will use case studies to explore topics such as the "two cultures" of science and policy and mechanisms for bridging the divide.  The workshop will also point to additional sources of information, resources and professional opportunities.  Led by experts in science policy, the workshop will underscore the importance of understanding how science can influence the policy-making process and how policy-making can influence the research enterprise for mutual positive impacts.

We hope that you can join us on Sunday April 22nd. This workshop will begin at 9am and run through to 4pm, with a 90 minute break for lunch. Participants will be responsible for their own lunch and will have the option of a number of facilities within the conference centre or in the nearby restaurant district. If you have any questions about this event or would like more information, please contact the organizers at sciencepolicy2012@gmail.com

Space is limited. Please complete your free registration by midnight Sunday, April 8, 2012.

Workshop Facilitators:

Jeff Kinder, Ph.D.
Manager, S&T Strategy, Natural Resources Canada

Jeff Kinder has over twenty years of experience in government science and in science and technology (S&T) policy in the U.S. and Canada. His experience in the U.S. includes work at the National Science Foundation, the National Academies' Committee on Science, Engineering and Public Policy, and research in applied ocean acoustics at the Naval Research Laboratory. In Canada, Jeff has worked as Senior Policy Advisor in Science and Innovation at Industry Canada and in support of the Council of Science and Technology Advisors (CSTA), the external board that advised Cabinet on the management of federal S&T from 1998-2007. He is currently Manager, S&T Strategy, at Natural Resources Canada. Jeff’s research and teaching focuses on S&T policy, government laboratories, innovation systems and science advisory mechanisms. He is the co-author with Bruce Doern of Strategic Science in the Public Interest: Canada's Government Laboratories and Science-Based Agencies (University of Toronto Press, 2007) and is working on a history of the Science Council of Canada. He holds a PhD in Public Policy, an M.A. in Science, Technology and Public Policy and a B.S. in Physics.

Consuelo van Beek
Senior Policy Analyst, S&T Strategy, Natural Resources Canada

Consuelo van Beek is a Senior Policy Analyst at Natural Resources Canada.  Since joining NRCan in 2005, Consuelo has worked on a variety of priority issues for the department, including S&T policy and the integration of science and policy, sustainable development policy and outreach, greening of government operations and freshwater.  Consuelo is a Learning Organizations Community of Practice practitioner and has facilitated a number of workshops and courses over the past 6 years.  Before joining NRCan, she was based in the Philippines working on local economic development issues for the Canadian Urban Institute.  Consuelo has a Masters in Local Economic Development from the University of Waterloo and a B.Sc. from Trent University.  In her spare time, she enjoys being outside with her family and volunteering for the Canada Mathare Education Trust.

Notes: This workshop will be delivered in English.