Researchers are mostly praised for their skills in generating knowledge, often evaluated through metrics like the number of publications or prizes. This definition of excellence is restrictive, not recognizing the role of scientists in science advice and communication. Turning knowledge into evidence and evidence into advice requires another set of skills. If science policy were a recipe, we could say that researchers are trained to get the good ingredients, but not to turn them into a great meal. Hence, the required competencies for science advice go far beyond the "excellence" criteria currently required by funding agencies, stakeholders, or universities, and on which successful research careers are built. To build a stronger, more diverse, and more impactful scientific community, it is essential to redefine excellence to encourage emerging researchers to develop and hone expertise and generate excellent knowledge while also learning how to be ‘impactful’ for policymakers and the public. This would imply allowing to demonstrate and reward policy engagement and a plurality of career paths, life paths, skills, and experiences as part of an ‘excellent’ researcher’s career.
Panelists:
Maria Esteli Jarquin: International Relations Coordinator, UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH) - Costa Rica
Edmond Sanganyado: A/Prof, Northumbria University & Global Young Academy – UK
Rémi Quirion: Québec Chief Scientist, Fonds de recherche du Québec and President of INGSA – Canada
Rini Astuti: Research Fellow, UNESCO Chair on Science Communications for the Public Good – Australia/ Indonesia
Menico Rizzi: Steering Committee Member, Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment – Italy
Marie-Violaine D. Ponte: Member of the Chief Scientist of Québec’s Intersectoral Student Committee, Université Laval - Canada