Bridging the Lab and the Legislature
In an era of rapid technological advancement and complex global challenges, the dialogue between science and policy has never been more critical.
Explore the IntersectionScience and policy have long been perceived as separate worlds, yet at their intersection lies the potential to address humanity's most pressing challenges.
Groundbreaking technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), engineering biology, and organoid research are advancing at a breathtaking pace5. These fields promise revolutionary benefits but also present novel ethical and safety considerations.
Policy makers face the enormous task of regulating these domains: acting too slowly could allow real risks to emerge, while acting too quickly could stifle transformative innovation5.
Political shifts can directly threaten scientific progress. Federal funding cuts have jeopardized critical research, leading to project cancellations and the loss of highly specialized talent10.
Such events have galvanized scientists to defend their work not just in academic journals, but in the halls of power, representing a fundamental shift in scientific culture.
The stereotype of the scientist isolated in a lab is rapidly giving way to a new reality: the scientist as an engaged citizen and advocate.
| Advocacy Activity | Scale of Participation | Policy Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Congressional Engagement | 800+ calls, 8,000+ emails from 1,800+ advocates | 24+ congressional offices sponsored AGU-endorsed bills |
| Local Science Partners | 77 scientists active in 33 states | Building long-term relationships with local policymakers |
| Endorsement Letters | 29 letters sent to Capitol Hill | Directly supporting legislation that benefits science |
| Webinar Education | 600+ members participating in 8 webinars | Building advocacy skills and policy knowledge within the community |
Calls to Congress
Emails to Policymakers
Congressional Offices Sponsoring Bills
Beyond individual actions, major research organizations are also rethinking their approach. Science Europe has published new guidance to strengthen the science-policy interface7.
Becoming an effective science advocate requires a specific set of tools and approaches.
In 2025, nearly 300 advocates from 38 states traveled to Washington, D.C., at their own expense to meet with legislators10.
The EU Prize for Citizen Science recognized projects like "Antiquake Risk Hunter Community," where residents used open-source tools for disaster preparedness8.
A case from France illustrates the ethical perils when advocacy outpaces evidence.
Reduction in hospitalization days claimed for patients with autism, depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder3.
This case highlights the need to scrutinize the robustness of scientific claims before they become law. It also underscores the responsibility of scientists to avoid "spin" and ensure their advocacy accurately reflects the state of the evidence.
The relationship between science and policy is undergoing a necessary and transformative evolution.
This requires "global collaboration between regulators and developing new, dynamic regulatory solutions that match the pace of technological innovation"5.
By supporting scientists in embracing their roles as advocates, we can better ensure that science serves society and that policy is built on a foundation of evidence.
Upholding the principles of scientific integrity and fostering open dialogue with the public are essential for building trust in the science-policy interface.
The journey from a laboratory finding to a law that protects public health or the environment is complex. But it is a journey that more and more scientists are prepared to make, ensuring that knowledge doesn't just remain in journals, but helps build a better, safer, and more equitable world.