At a recent fireside chat hosted by the DST Centre for Policy Research at the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, the IndiaBioscience team had the opportunity to attend a candid discussion featuring Rémi Quirion, Chief Science Advisor to the Quebec government and President of the International Network for Governmental Science Advice (INGSA). He was joined by prominent science policy voices, Mohit K. Jolly, Shambhavi Naik, and Suryesh Namdeo.
The session highlighted the many ways researchers can participate in policy formulation, ranging from passive involvement to highly active engagement. Here, we share key takeaways on the strategies and tools early career researchers (ECRs) can use to engage effectively with policymaking.
Trust, communication, and policy engagement
Drawing on his experience serving under three different governments, Rémi Quirion emphasised that trust and resilience are central to science advisory roles, especially when navigating political shifts or crises like COVID-19.
He noted that science advisors do not need to “know everything”—a common misconception — but should instead collaborate with experts across disciplines to develop practical solutions.
Effective science advice also requires scientists to adapt their language and use storytelling when communicating with policymakers. Senior advisors can distill complex information from expert groups into clear, actionable recommendations for decision-makers. Quirion stressed the importance of resilience, as science advisors must adapt to changing political environments and urgent demands, often needing to rebuild trust repeatedly.
But why engage early career researchers?
Mohit Jolly shared how including young scientists’ voices in strategic white papers has led to real policy shifts in India, such as the recent relaxations in procurement guidelines for scientific institutions. The traditional view that only senior scientists can serve as science advisors is outdated and needs to change. The session underscored the growing recognition, support, and opportunities for ECRs to engage in science advice, diplomacy, and policy roles — both through structured programs and international networks.
Importantly, ECRs need not be passive observers; they can and should be active contributors to science-policy dialogues. One area where ECRs could have a significant impact is in advocating for new research evaluation models that recognise science-society contributions.
How to get started in science advice?
With over 6,500 members across 110 countries, the INGSA network offers a valuable platform for Indian researchers to strengthen their skills in connecting evidence with policy development. The speakers also highlighted the importance of diaspora engagement and local policy collaborations as vital next steps.
Another impactful approach is involving citizens in the process. While this takes more time, it is incredibly rewarding. Quirion shared an example,
A citizen might notice that the colour of the river water on their farm has changed, and they can reach out to us about it. We then work together to investigate the issue. Of course, this collaborative process takes time.”
Even if research does not generate strong data, participants gain a deeper understanding of how science advice is developed through an iterative, back-and-forth process rather than a straightforward, linear path.
Shambhavi Naik also emphasised the importance of using multiple media formats to shape narratives that resonate with both policymakers and the public. She noted that consistency in messaging is crucial; a single social media post, blog, or opinion piece is rarely enough to make a lasting impact.
If you are an early career researcher interested in shaping the future of science policy, now is the time to get involved — seek out networks, share your insights, and become an active voice in bridging science and society. Whether it is a LinkedIn post, your personal blog, or a podcast, the key is to stay consistent and not stop at a single event.