Science Advocacy - First Steps
It is vital that MedTech scientists, and scientists in general, have the skills and resources necessary to advocate effectively for their science with decision-makers at institutional and governmental levels. Below are some considerations and suggested resources for MedTech scientists looking to take that first step into becoming advocates for their science, based on the findings of CÚRAM's White Paper on Science Advocacy in the Irish Medical Device Research Field.
What is Science Advocacy?
Why advocate for science?
Reasons for scientists to advocate for their work to policymakers are many, including:
- A fundamental responsibility of scientists as global citizens and community members
- It is a requirement of publicly funded research
- Scientists have specialist knowledge to better inform policy
- Scientists can emphasise the necessity for science in society, and the rigour and integrity of the scientific process
- Public trust in science remains
How to advocate for science?
EPA Bridge tools
Principal Investigator Impact – Planning for Impact Toolkits
http://www.piimpact.com/index.php/resources/professional-tools-and-resources/
Campus Engage – Engaged Research Planning for Impact Resources
https://www.campusengage.ie/what-we-do/publications/
Government of Ireland – Who Does What?
https://whodoeswhat.gov.ie
RAPID Context, Evidence, Links Framework
NDI Policy Development and Policy Advocacy Course Materials
https://www.ndi.org/policy-development-and-advocacy-ar-en
EC Joint Research Centre – Science for Policy Handbook
https://ec.europa.eu/jrc/communities/en/community/evidence4policy/document/science-policy-handbook
SARA: An Introduction to Advocacy Training Guide
https://resource-centre-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/1981.pdf
CÚRAM SFI Research Centre for Medical Devices does not control third-party web sites and is not responsible for the contents of any linked-to, third-party web sites or any hyperlink in a linked-to web site
For further information, questions, comments and feedback, please contact claire.riordan@universityofgalway.ie