Science Policy Cheat Sheet

The core ideas of Science Policy distilled into a single, scannable reference — perfect for review or quick lookup.

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Quick Reference

Policy for Science vs. Science for Policy

The two fundamental dimensions of science policy. 'Policy for science' concerns government decisions about funding, organizing, and regulating scientific research. 'Science for policy' concerns how scientific evidence and expertise are used to inform policy decisions in other domains.

Basic vs. Applied Research Funding

The distinction between funding research driven by curiosity and the pursuit of fundamental knowledge (basic research) versus funding research aimed at solving specific practical problems (applied research). Science policy must balance investment in both.

Peer Review

The process by which scientific proposals and publications are evaluated by independent experts in the relevant field. Peer review is a cornerstone of science policy, used by funding agencies to allocate grants and by journals to ensure research quality.

Science Advice and Advisory Bodies

Institutional mechanisms through which scientific expertise is communicated to policymakers. These include chief scientific advisors, national academies, and dedicated advisory committees that translate complex research findings into actionable policy recommendations.

The Precautionary Principle

A policy approach holding that if an action or technology has a suspected risk of causing harm to the public or the environment, in the absence of scientific consensus, the burden of proof falls on those proposing the action. It is widely applied in European environmental and health regulation.

Evidence-Based Policy

An approach to policymaking that emphasizes the use of rigorous scientific evidence, data, and systematic analysis rather than ideology or anecdote to design, implement, and evaluate public policies.

Research and Development (R&D) Spending

The total expenditure by governments, businesses, and institutions on research and development activities. R&D spending as a percentage of GDP is a key metric in science policy, reflecting a nation's commitment to innovation.

Technology Assessment

The systematic evaluation of the potential impacts, risks, and benefits of new technologies before they are widely adopted. Technology assessment helps policymakers anticipate and manage the social, economic, and ethical consequences of technological change.

Regulatory Science

The scientific activities that support the development and enforcement of regulations, including the methods and standards used by regulatory agencies to evaluate safety, efficacy, and environmental impact of products and processes.

Science Diplomacy

The use of scientific collaboration and exchange to build bridges between nations, address global challenges, and advance foreign policy objectives. It encompasses science in diplomacy, diplomacy for science, and science for diplomacy.

Key Terms at a Glance

Basic Research:Research driven by curiosity and the pursuit of fundamental knowledge without a specific practical application in mind.

Applied Research:Research directed toward solving specific practical problems or developing particular technologies.

Bayh-Dole Act:U.S. legislation (1980) permitting universities to retain intellectual property from federally funded research to encourage commercialization.

Collingridge Dilemma:The paradox that a technology's impacts are hard to predict early on but difficult to control once the technology is entrenched.

Dual Use Research:Research with potential for both beneficial and harmful applications, raising governance and security concerns.

Evidence-Based Policy:An approach to policymaking that uses rigorous scientific evidence and data to design and evaluate policies.

Intellectual Property:Legal rights protecting creations of the mind, including patents, copyrights, and trade secrets, relevant to commercializing research.

Linear Model of Innovation:A model positing a sequential path from basic research to applied research to development to commercialization.

Mission-Oriented Innovation Policy:A policy approach directing research toward solving specific societal challenges through coordinated public and private investment.

National Science Foundation:U.S. federal agency (est. 1950) that funds basic research and education across non-medical scientific and engineering disciplines.

Open Science:A movement promoting transparency in research through open access publishing, open data, and collaborative tools.

PCAST:President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology, an advisory body providing science and technology guidance to the U.S. President.

Peer Review:Evaluation of scientific work by independent experts to ensure quality, rigor, and significance in both publications and grant funding.

Policy for Science:Government decisions about funding, organizing, and regulating scientific research and institutions.

Precautionary Principle:A policy approach requiring protective action when a potential risk is identified, even without full scientific certainty.

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