Abstract:
Our panel examines strategic frameworks shaping science policy in the Canadian government, focusing on the inaugural Science Strategy by the Office of the Chief Science Officer at PHAC, Health Canada’s Framework for Science and Research Excellence, Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Science Strategy for 2024-2029, and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Strategic Plan for Science. These strategies integrate diverse knowledge across disciplines, emphasizing public health, environmental conservation, agricultural vitality, and science integrity. The discussion will highlight holistic approaches, including SGBA Plus, anti-racism principles, AI innovation, and science communication, illustrating how these frameworks collectively drive societal betterment and resilience in Canada.

Summary of Conversations

The panel explored science strategies for a resilient future, focusing on science-policy integration and societal empowerment. Discussions emphasized the importance of diversity and inclusion, considering different knowledge systems, including Indigenous knowledge, and interdepartmental collaboration. Panellists highlighted the need for adaptive and responsive approaches, with science informing policy decisions. A key theme was moving beyond traditional silos, fostering open communication, and valuing diverse expertise. Tangible changes included better integration of science into operational planning cycles and governance activities. The conversation underscored the value of public engagement, transparency, and trust-building in science communication.

Take Away Messages/ Current Status of Challenges

• A siloed innovation ecosystem requires better cross-sector collaboration between government, academia, and industry.
• Integrating diverse knowledge systems, especially Indigenous knowledge, needs genuine inclusion beyond tokenistic gestures.
• Translating high-level strategic goals into actionable steps and ensuring accountability remain ongoing challenges.
• Addressing misinformation and disinformation demands transparent and accessible science communication to build public trust.
• Disaggregated clinical trial data is key to including sex, gender, and diversity analysis.
• Bureaucratic hurdles impede the incorporation of diverse knowledge forms into policy-making processes.
• Effectively synthesizing available science advice for timely policy decisions is crucial but difficult.
• Maintaining a vibrant science culture requires valuing science and integrating it into organizational processes.

Recommendations/Next Steps

• Foster interdisciplinary collaboration using models like One Health to address complex challenges.
• Create flexible organizational mandates that allow for growth, innovation, and alignment with broader public health goals.
• Implement structured governance mechanisms to facilitate dialogue between science and policy stakeholders.
• Develop frameworks that ensure diversity and inclusion are integral to research and policy development.
• Streamline processes to enhance the incorporation of diverse forms of knowledge into decision-making.
• Prioritize public engagement and transparent communication to build trust in government science.
• Develop indicators to measure the impact of science strategies and frameworks, ensuring continuous improvement.
• Strengthen knowledge mobilization efforts to translate research findings into actionable policy and practice.