Chantal Barriault

Biography:
Chantal Barriault M.Sc. is Science North’s Co-Director of the Science Communication Graduate Diploma Program, offered jointly with Laurentian University. She also leads Science North’s Research and Evaluation initiatives. In 2006 Chantal was recognized by the Canadian Association of Science Centres with its first Outstanding Leadership Award for her work in developing the Science Communication program.
With a background in Psychology and Biology, Chantal received a Master's degree in Science Communication from the University of Glamorgan in 1999. Her research on understanding how visitors learn in science centres has received international attention.
Prior to 2005 Chantal was responsible for Science North's education programs for schools, developing and delivering in-service training workshops for teachers in French and English in all sections of Ontario’s Science and Technology curriculum.

Abstract:
Engaging the public in developing science policy in Canada

There are good democratic reasons for increasing public participation in the development of policy with respect to science and society issues such as nanotechnology, alternative energy, biotechnology, and greenhouse gas reduction. The decline in voter turnout during recent elections may reflect people feeling disconnected from the policy making process. Lack of participation also leaves the public poorly prepared to consider new policy proposals – the “Greenshift” for example.

Communication and public engagement have an important role to play in creating a culture or mindset in which people understand science based decisions in policy and decision making, and in giving voice to public views of science based issues. What mechanisms of public engagement are likely to be the most effective ?

Long term strategies can include supporting and working with the Informal settings of science centres and museums. These provide a neutral space for such engagement to flourish. A more short term strategy to involve the public should include Citizen Forums, which are a more structured engagement for recommendations into the policy making process and are widely used in other countries.