A Guide for Science and Policy Managers

Following are the definitions used in this guide. Most of these definitions are from the Framework for S&T Advice.

Anyone with the authority to make decisions in the federal government. In general, this typically involves ministers and deputy ministers, but it may also include assistant deputy ministers, directors general and other senior officials in certain matters.

The Framework was developed for application primarily by federal government science-based departments and agencies. However, given the growing pervasiveness of science and technology, the principles and guidelines will be of increasing importance to all departments called upon to make decisions related to science. For the purposes of the Framework, departmental responsibility rests with the deputy minister or other senior managers, as appropriate. As recommended in this guide, responsibility for implementing the principles and guidelines should rest with the departmental science advice champions.

Due Diligence

Means that reasonable steps (includes rigorous internal and external review, and assessment of all findings, analyses and recommendations) have been undertaken to ensure sound decision making.

A committee, either ad hoc or standing, that is at arm’s length from the federal government and is composed of scientific experts whose knowledge is relevant to the issue being examined. Typically such bodies are set up on an "as required" basis by an external scientific organization (professional society, learned society, research institute, etc.) at the request of the federal government.

Anyone engaged in the formulation and provision of policy advice within the federal government. In general, this refers to policy analysts and advisors who work at the interface between those who contribute advice and senior managers or decision makers.

According to the 1992 Rio Declaration, "In order to protect the environment, the precautionary approach shall be widely applied by States according to their capabilities. Where there are threats of serious or irreversible damage, lack of full scientific certainty shall not be used as a reason for postponing cost-effective measures to prevent environmental degradation." Beyond threats to the environment, this concept is increasingly being applied in cases involving threats to public health and safety.

An existing or newly formed committee that represents a broad range of stakeholders, typically including representatives from industry and non-government organizations.

A concept that combines the probability that an adverse event will occur and the consequences of the adverse event.

Used broadly to include the assessment of risk, the communication of risk and the process of identifying, analysing, prioritizing, implementing and evaluating actions to reduce risk. The goal of risk management is scientifically sound, cost-effective, integrated action that reduces or prevents risks while taking into account social, cultural, ethical, political, economic and legal considerations.

Broadly defined to include the sciences, engineering and technology. The principles and guidelines may also be applicable to advice from other disciplines.

Value-added guidance deriving from scientific and technological knowledge, theories, data, findings and conclusions to inform policy, regulatory and management decision making.

A person who engages in the formulation and provision of science advice. Often scientists will fill this role.

A person who has expert knowledge of science and who is typically engaged in the conduct of science. "Government scientist" refers to a scientist employed by the federal government.

A person or group that has an interest, economic or otherwise, in the outcome of government decisions, policies or regulations.

Knowledge that is acquired and preserved through generations in an original or local society. Both Aboriginals and non-Aboriginals may possess traditional knowledge.

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