Friday, August 11, 2023

New Irish Science Advisor Post

Thanks to a colleague for pointing to the announcement of a new science advisor post for Ireland. As set out below, this is part of a wider restructuring of the nature of science advice for policy in Ireland. The role of behavioural and social science in these structures will be an interesting one to keep in the discussion. 

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris TD has welcomed Government approval to proceed with the appointment of a new Government Science Advisor. The Government Science Advisor will be selected as part of the new science advice structures that will assist in informing responses to complex and challenging policy issues. These include issues around climate change, food sustainability, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and emerging technologies, and to needs identified by Ministers and Government Departments. 

The Government Science Advisor will chair the National Science Advice Forum and provide cross-sectoral and multi-disciplinary science advice to the government.
The new science advice structures will assist in informing responses to complex and challenging policy issues like climate change, food sustainability, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and emerging technologies and to needs identified by ministers and government departments.
The National Science Advice Forum will have an annual work programme which will be reported to Government. Delivery of the work programme will be evaluated after an initial three-year period.
A public consultation was held in September 2022, and the outcomes from this, along with international models, have been considered formally as the new science advice structures. The new science advice structures will be integrated in the general public policy making process and complement existing government actions.
These new science advice structures will bring Ireland in line with countries in Europe and beyond who have also tailored advisory structures to meet their needs and will maximise Ireland’s participation in international science advice organisations.

No comments: