Ian Boyd highlights the critical tension between science and politics, advocating for a radical integration to enhance decision-making and governance.
The podcast discusses the 'scientific political predicament,' emphasizing the challenges scientists face in maintaining rigor while engaging with political agendas.
Boyd underscores the necessity for clear channels of scientific advice within politics, aiming to preserve objectivity and enhance policy outcomes.
Deep dives
The KFC Dunk It Bucket Launch
The introduction of the KFC Dunk It Bucket features a combination of original recipe tenders, new mashed potato poppers, and crispy fries, all paired with three appealing sauces. Priced at $7 for a standard bucket and $25 for a double version, the promotional strategy encourages enjoyment of this new offering in various settings, including sports events. The playful marketing suggests customers can 'dunk anywhere,' even in less-than-appropriate places, highlighting a humorous engagement with the product. This creative approach aims to attract customers by emphasizing the fun and versatility of the Dunk It Bucket.
Lisa Schneider's Career Transition
Lisa Schneider's story illustrates a significant career shift as she aspires to become the leader of her own dog rescue operation, transitioning from a conventional office job. Her motivation is supported by participating in reskilling courses offered by AARP, enabling her to ensure a sustainable income alongside her passion for animal welfare. This narrative exemplifies the opportunities for personal reinvention later in life and the importance of continuous learning and development. It emphasizes that age should not hinder pursuing fulfilling careers that align with one’s passions.
Introduction of Sir Ian Boyd
Sir Ian Boyd, a notable figure in the UK scientific community, is introduced as a distinguished guest, highlighting his expertise as a professor and his leadership roles within biology and research integrity. His background includes extensive work in marine and polar sciences, providing him with insights into the ecological dynamics and behaviors of large animals. The conversation shifts to his recent publication, 'Science and Politics,' which aims to bridge gaps between scientific understanding and political decision-making. This sets the stage for a deeper exploration of the interplay between these two fields.
Understanding the Scientific Political Predicament
The concept of the 'scientific political predicament' is framed as the challenge scientists face when engaging with societal needs, which often leads to compromises in scientific rigor. This predicament arises due to the necessity of scientists to communicate with policymakers, which can dilute the objectivity of their findings for political expediency. As Boyd reflects on his personal experiences, he highlights the critical need for scientists to maintain their integrity while navigating the complexities of political influence. His reflections unravel the balance that must be struck between societal engagement and upholding scientific standards.
Navigating Science and Politics
Boyd articulates the importance of having clear avenues for scientific advice within the political landscape to prevent the dilution of objective science for political agendas. He recounts his role on advisory committees during critical times, like the COVID-19 pandemic, noting how direct engagement in decision-making discussions can lead to better policy outcomes. However, he emphasizes the ongoing challenge of ensuring that scientific advice remains independent and respected. The conversation underscores the necessity for scientists to understand and effectively navigate the political environment to ensure their insights lead to beneficial societal changes.
The recent coronavirus pandemic proved that the time-old notion seems now truer than ever: that science and politics represent a clash of cultures. But why should scientists simply “stick to the facts” and leave politics to the politicians when the world seems to be falling down around us?
Drawing on his experience as both a research scientist and an expert advisor at the centre of government, Ian Boyd takes an empirical approach to examining the current state of the relationship between science and politics. He argues that the way politicians and scientists work together today results in a science that is on tap for ideological (mis)use, and governance that fails to serve humanity’s most fundamental needs. Justice is unlikely―perhaps impossible―while science is not a fully integrated part of the systems for collective decision-making across society.
InScience and Politics(Polity, 2024), Boyd presents an impassioned argument for a series of conceptual and structural innovations that could resolve this fundamental tension, revealing how a radical intermingling of these (apparently contradictory) professions might provide the world with better politics and better science.
Professor Sir Ian Boyd is currently a professor at the University of St Andrews and Chair of the UK Research Integrity Office. He was Chief Scientific Adviser to the UK Government on Food and the Environment (2012-2019). He is a marine and polar scientist and previously served as the first Director of the Scottish Oceans Institute at St Andrews
Morteza Hajizadeh is a Ph.D. graduate in English from the University of Auckland in New Zealand. His research interests are Cultural Studies; Critical Theory; Environmental History; Medieval (Intellectual) History; Gothic Studies; 18th and 19th Century British Literature. YouTube channel. Twitter.
