Science Society = Policy-Advice

“… We are deeply convinced that sound, independent scientific advice largely improves the quality of policy-making. We welcome recent global trends for the more pronounced use of science in policy-making and the efforts to bridge the difficulties inherent in the roles of scientists and policy makers… … We call on all scientists to monitor and assess policy areas and provide, in a pro-active manner, independent and timely science advice even when its application is not guaranteed or not expected…” Final Declaration, World Science Forum 2015, 7 November 2015, Budapest. The paper is a response to the “Final Declaration” issued at the 2015 World Science Forum [1] that assembles some of the World’s most prominent scientists and science advisers every second year. Alas, the comprehensive Declaration generally neglects the role of civil society. The paper looks in more detail at the assertions by structures that argue to have the capability to provide scientific advice, as well as at the means by which the European Union obtains independent scientific advice. The paper aims to bring science down from its “ivory-tower” and more approachable and relevant to humanity