Opening the floor for discussion : a perspective on how scholars perceive attitudes to science in policymaking in South Africa
Date
2021-01-29
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
ASSAf
Abstract
Policymakers are a vital group with whom scientific research should be communicated, especially when
the reason for many research projects is linked to relevance for socio-political and economic management.
Science communication has a vital role in transforming research into policy, and a core element of this process
is understanding the target group, namely policymakers. Science and policy influence each other deeply, so
researchers and policymakers should improve their understanding of each other and of the processes involved
in both fields in order to better collaborate. Accordingly, an in-depth understanding of how scholars perceive
policymakers is a precondition for scientists to achieve any desired management and policy impacts.
In December 2019, six researchers and one research manager from Stellenbosch University, South Africa, gathered
to discuss their understanding of policymakers. The discussion was part of a Science Communication Masterclass
hosted by the South African Research Chair in Science Communication and Econnect Communication, Australia.
The purpose of the group discussion was to develop a science communication strategy that would enhance the
sharing of scientific research outputs with policymakers in South Africa. We explored five questions to help us
record our perception of policymakers: (1) Who do we think the policymakers are? (2) How do we think that
policymakers perceive research? (3) What concerns do we believe that policymakers have about research? (4)
What information do we think policymakers are interested in? (5) What forms of communication do we think
policymakers prefer?
This Commentary presents our view on how we think researchers perceive policymakers, as discussed in the
Science Communication Masterclass. We hope to initiate a discussion around science communication with
policymakers, and improve current practices.
Description
CITATION: Czachur, M. V. et al. 2021. Opening the floor for discussion : a perspective on how scholars perceive attitudes to science in policymaking in South Africa. South African Journal of Science, 117(1/2):7948, doi:10.17159/sajs.2021/7948.
The original publication is available at https://sajs.co.za
The original publication is available at https://sajs.co.za
Keywords
Science communication, Science Communication Masterclass, Scientific research, Scientific research -- South Africa, Policy sciences -- South Africa, Researcher perspectives in South Africa
Citation
Czachur, M. V. et al. 2021. Opening the floor for discussion : a perspective on how scholars perceive attitudes to science in policymaking in South Africa. South African Journal of Science, 117(1/2):7948, doi:10.17159/sajs.2021/7948.