Top 5 Outcomes from the Session:

1. Understanding the Role of Science Advocacy – There is an increased public appetite for evidence in the political decision-making process. Our recent public polling shows that more than half of Canadians feel that governments pay too little attention to scientific evidence and public opinion. Science advocacy is an essential tool for connecting science and evidence with actionable policy outcomes and, therefore, has a crucial role to play in ensuring scientific evidence impacts government-decision making at the highest levels. Using the four distinct categories of science advocates outlined in Roger Pielke’s “The Honest Broker” – namely the Pure Scientist, the Science Arbiter, the Issue Advocate, and the Honest Broker – participants were able to better understand the role of each category in influencing science policy. Ultimately, these roles help demonstrate the need for developing authentic advocacy and messaging for policymakers.
2. Crafting Effective Advocacy Messages – We all have biases and personal beliefs that can play a role in shaping how a message is delivered and how it is received. In our session, we explored the essential components of a compelling advocacy message, emphasizing clarity, relevance, and empathy. By using storytelling alongside data, scientists can transform complex findings into relatable narratives that resonate with policymakers and the public alike.
3. Building Relationships with Policymakers – Advocacy is not about a single transaction. The goal of advocacy should be to build relationships with elected officials. Our research (published in our Evidence in Action report) shows that elected officials often resort to trusted contacts and experts when looking to find evidence for policy discussions. This is why regular engagement—whether through briefings, meetings, or follow-up emails— is key to establishing trust and credibility with policymakers.
4. Navigating Barriers to Evidence Use – Policymakers often face challenges in using scientific evidence, including information overload, varying definitions of research, and tight timelines. These barriers emphasize the importance of presenting concise, actionable, and relevant evidence while being mindful of the policymaker’s priorities.
5. Developing Stakeholder Maps – An interactive exercise allowed attendees to map stakeholders affected by or influencing their policy issues. This activity helped prioritize engagement efforts and demonstrated the importance of understanding stakeholder interests and influence levels. The stakeholder map became a practical tool for planning advocacy strategies.