Evidence and Expertise in Science Policy

This course examines the role of evidence and expertise in the development of science-informed public policy. Students explore how evidence is generated, evaluated, and translated into policy decisions, and how expert judgment shapes the interpretation of scientific findings under conditions of uncertainty. The course considers the scientific infrastructure behind evidence production, including questions of credibility, provenance, and reliability. Through practical and philosophical perspectives, students develop tools for assessing evidence, identifying relevant expertise, and communicating scientific knowledge to policymakers and the public. The course also examines the distinct roles of evidence and expertise in scientific, legal, and democratic decision-making, with particular attention to the challenges of uncertainty, competing interpretations, and governance in complex policy environments.