An Essential Guide to Science Advocacy: Equipping scientists to advocate effectively across Canada

Whether you work in the physical sciences or the social sciences, this guide provides the foundational knowledge and the tools necessary to effectively engage in advocacy as a researcher. This guide was initiated by Senator Stanley Kutcher and the Chief Scientist of Québec, Dr. Rémi Quirion, and developed by Evidence for Democracy so that all of society can benefit when physical scientists or social scientists are equipped and empowered to raise their voices and advocate effectively. Whether you are about to advocate for the first time or are looking to fine-tune your skills, this guide will help you expand your toolbox of advocacy strategies and build and nurture relationships with decision-makers. Fostering a better relationship between scientists and policy-makers is not just about enabling ground-breaking discoveries or strengthening the economy. It’s also about how science can serve the collective good for a healthier, more prosperous, and just society; strengthen the relationship between science, policy, and society; build and nurture relationships with decision-makers; and work collaboratively towards a healthy science and research ecosystem and strong evidence-informed public policies, for the benefit of all Canadians.

Authors: Farah Qaiser, Kimberly Klenk, Caitlin Fowler, and Vanessa Sung

Evidence for Democracy

Date: 2023