Valuing Citizen Engagement in Science Governance (policy brief)

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What is this about?

The Valuing Citizen Engagement in Science Governance policy brief argues that engaging citizens meaningfully in how science is governed is essential for democratic, knowledge-based decision-making. It highlights that traditional, top-down models of expertise and science governance often exclude the perspectives and knowledge of ordinary people, which can weaken trust, reduce legitimacy, and limit the relevance of scientific decisions to broader society. Instead, the brief advocates for participatory models that recognise citizens not only as recipients of scientific information but as contributors whose experiences and insights can inform policy and research agendas. It suggests ways to move beyond narrow consultation to deeper, deliberative engagement where citizens help shape scientific priorities, evaluation, and governance processes. These models draw on lessons from citizen science and deliberative democracy research to create more inclusive, transparent, and responsive science governance systems across Europe.

Why is this important?

This policy brief is important because it reframes science governance to include citizens as active partners rather than passive stakeholders. Doing so can strengthen democratic legitimacy, improve the social relevance of scientific outcomes, and boost public trust in science and policy. Particularly in contexts where science intersects with contentious issues (e.g., climate change, health policy), involving diverse publics early and meaningfully can reduce polarization and enhance collective decision-making. Its recommendations provide practical guidance to policymakers, research institutions, and civic actors on designing engagement methods that are inclusive, deliberative, and capable of integrating public values into science governance.

For whom is this important?

EU and national policymakersResearch funders and institutionsCivil society organisations and citizen groupsAcademics and researchers

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