A gap between the data generated by researchers and the information required by policymakers is widely recognized. In an effort to bridge the gap between science and policy, more than 30 horizon scanning and research question identification and prioritization exercises have been conducted in the fields of conservation biology, agriculture, ocean science, and environmental management. Here we present a brief summary of the scope and impact of those exercises, focusing on the development of a common methodology for engaging scientists, policymakers, and other actors that utilize scientific evidence. In addition, we detail the potential for synthesis across national and sectoral exercises using an example from a recent ocean science research question prioritization. That effort examined how 2187 physical, ecological and social scientists from 94 countries (representing some 36000 person-years of research experience) perceived their role as scientists working at or near the ocean science-policy interface. Results showed that scientists held different perspectives about their appropriate level of engagement at the ocean science-policy interface and the relative primacy of science versus politics in formulating ocean policy. Three clusters accounted for 94% of the sample and members of those clusters showed substantial consistency in their top research priorities. This alignment of priorities among scientists from different regions, disciplines, and sectors should increase our level of confidence that research priorities identified via various bottom-up big question and horizon scanning exercises are highly relevant for global ocean management and enjoy support from all segments of the ocean research community, irrespective of discipline, geographic location, or professional background. Those lessons are relevant for the new SETAC-sponsored horizon scanning and question idenfication exercise currently in progress for global environmental quality.

Review of the practice and potential for global horizon scanning and research prioritization exercises in narrowing the environmental science-policy gap

250th National Meeting (2015)

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