US President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) make 2 important recommendations in a new letter

In a recent groundbreaking move, the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) has called on the President to make public dialogue a core component of federal research and development agencies. Published on August 29, 2023, the letter sent by the council contains two recommendations that could impact the US approach to science communication.

Key Takeaways

• The first recommendation urges federal agencies to institutionalize science communication and public engagement as core elements of their missions.
• This calls for systemic changes that would integrate participatory dialogue directly into policy-making frameworks.
• The second recommendation proposes the creation of a new, specialized office to support these science communication initiatives.
• This office would likely act as a centralized hub, employing evidence-based techniques and cutting-edge technology to facilitate public engagement in science.
• Overall, the dual directives serve as a call to action, aiming to reshape the interaction between science, government, and the general public.

A Quote from the Letter

“An inclusive dialogue among scientists, policymakers, and the public so that all can be part of ongoing, productive discussions and community-building will lead to more effective policies regarding our health, our environment, our national security, and our general well-being.”

Why It Matters

The PCAST recommendations raise important questions. How will participatory dialogue be operationalized across federal agencies? How will the effectiveness of the new specialized office be measured? What steps will agencies take to act on these recommendations? What is the financial framework supporting the new office? How will the scientific community and policymakers react? These questions and others add to the complexity of actualizing the recommendations and are vital for understanding their broader implications.

CSML Intelligence Team

Civic Science Media Lab (CSML) Intelligence delivers rapid analysis based on our reporting and ongoing landscape work, providing synthesized insights into the latest developments shaping the civic science landscape.