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Scientists advise authorities
By the National Science and Technology Forum
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What are the important discussions that should be taking place between civil society and government ? What role should a civil society forum undertake to support the role of scientists in policy advice ?
These are just some of the questions asked , and answered , at the scientists and policy – the role of a civil society forum side event hosted by the National Science and Technology Forum ( NSTF ).
The NSTF was invited by the African- Europe Science Collaboration and Innovation Platform ( AERAP ) to host this side event as part of the European Union- African Union ( EU-AU ) Summit held earlier this year . The goal of the side event was to consider the role of scientists in policy advice , as well as to unpack the importance of constructive interaction and discussion between civil society and government on key priority areas .
The session showcased experts in science , engineering , technology ( SET ) and innovation in South Africa in an open forum with government and civil society from various SET-related fields . Policies and how knowledge generated by science were considered from NSTF discussion forums held , namely ‘ Preparing for epidemics in South Africa – human and animal ’, ‘ Skills to prepare South Africa for future pandemics ’ and ‘ Plant health in South Africa – threats to biosecurity , biodiversity and food security ’.
SYSTEMS TO MONITOR AND TRACK TO MITIGATE EPIDEMICS Dr Jabu Mtsweni , head : information and cyber security centre , Council for Scientific and Industrial Research ( CSIR ); and research fellow : University of South Africa ( UNISA ); and technical leader : national policy data observatory ( NPDO ) focused on ‘ Preparing for pandemics : science and policy ’, and the importance of preparing more effectively for incoming pandemics using data and insights .
The NPDO is a government-led , national policy data observatory that focuses on myriad data sources to support decisionmaking . They are currently focused on COVID-19 data indicators inclusive of COVID-19 cases , hospitalisation , and vaccinations .
Mtsweni highlighted how the more pandemics which society experiences , the more prepared we are for the next ones , and how from both a science and policy perspective , everything comes down to preparation . The goal is to shift mindsets to reduce the chance of future pandemics and to focus on solutions that allow for consistent tracking and monitoring of pandemics . Policy could then be shaped around the ‘ always on ’ approach and would allow for health surveillance that can scale .
Currently the challenge is a lack of proper systems in place that can monitor and track ; in addition , the current data points to how invaluable this can be in terms of mitigating pandemics , disease and improving access to healthcare . He concluded by emphasising the need to connect people , processes , and systems to ensure skills development , that governance is in place to ensure proper decision making , and to use accurate data to inform policies in various ways . This would minimise misinformation , improve reporting , and ensure that people come together to respond to pandemics intelligently , and with the right skillsets and leadership in place .
COLLABORATION TO FIND SOLUTIONS Ms Glaudina Loots , director : health innovation , National Department of Science and Innovation ( DSI ) South Africa , presented on the ‘ DSI COVID-19 research support and rapid response ’. When the first case was identified in South Africa , the first step was to look at rapid response , what could be done , and what resources could be brought together to address the situation .
This meant looking at modelling surveillance epidemiology and community engagement to understand how it was affecting people and then moving to clinical trials for potential treatments . She underscored the value of collaboration and how by undertaking a concerted effort throughout the pandemic , it was possible to move swiftly and achieve remarkable results .
The presentation concluded with the fact that the pandemic had shown everyone how it was important to collaborate and share facilities so that everyone can come together to create a solution .
CLIMATE MODELS FOR ADVISORIES ON ADAPTATION Prof Sue Walker , principal researcher : agrometeorology , Agricultural Research Council ( ARC ) – Natural Resources and Engineering ; and Professor Emeritus : agromet ( Agricultural Metereology ), University of the Free State ( UFS ) South Africa , addressed the ‘ use of crop climate models to develop advisories ’. Her presentation painted a stark picture on how climate change will introduce more frequent droughts and heat waves of longer duration alongside reduced soil moisture , shorter growing seasons , and reduced maize and livestock production .
The implications are that there will be more frequent droughts and that the growing season will be impacted – which makes it important to help farmers to maintain sustainable farming systems . Using crop climate models , there is potential to change agronomic management practices that are calibrated for each unique climate situation . These models can be used over extended periods of time to establish best practice and to apply this to local ecosystems and provide salient advice to policymakers .
In addition , the models can be used to advise on pest spray , diseases , weather conditions , and so much more , and can be shared with government teams to enable them to act in a positive way .
THE LESSONS LEARNED The session underscored how advice is a two-way stream . That scientists advise government , and government must be open to scientists and that there must be shared collaboration to ensure that the advice comes to fruition . There ’ s also a two-way interaction between government and the public and scientists and the public that ’ s become crucial to reduce misinformation and promote learning .
In the panel discussion , Dr Jabu Mtsweni emphasised the importance of data and how this can be used in the formation of policies . He also highlighted how there will always be gaps in the research data . It ’ s important to share information so that it is possible for researchers to improve on one another ’ s work and learn from one another .
This allows for problem solving across multiple contexts . Loots added that this is one of the things that COVID-19 brought to South Africa – that information is being shared and that government is working more closely with scientists . She emphasised that this is something that needs to continue , along with increased sharing of data and knowledge so people can be aware of it and use it effectively .
When it comes to agriculture , Walker unpacked how it is important to look at information sharing across the local municipality level and the provincial level . While there is a reliance on researchers to assist with policy generation on the national level , there ’ s a need to fill capacity gaps at the local level .
There remain complexities in communication between scientists and government as sometimes government doesn ’ t agree with the data , or won ’ t impose restrictions based on the data . This can result in changing regulations or limited impact , but scientists need to continue working as best they can and to focus on ongoing collaboration with government to effect lasting change . It is not an easy space to negotiate , but for Loots the support of scientists has been invaluable throughout the pandemic .
Across all panellists there was a shared sentiment that being open and talking to one another was critical . Taking the lessons learned over the past few years will be instrumental in changing dialogues between government , citizens , and science . CLA
There remain complexities in communication between scientists and government .
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