Science Policy Through a Local Lens: The Role of State-Level Advisory Groups in the 21st Century

As new challenges arise in the 21st century, state and local governments play an increasingly critical role in science policy, contrasting the traditional focus on the federal government in this landscape. To meet these challenges, states require access to subject area expertise and evidence-based advisory resources as part of their policy toolkits. Many states have independent academies of science that have potential to provide scientific expertise to state governments. However, steps need to be taken to capitalize on these resources and integrate them with other key elements in the policymaking process. By prioritizing the development of relationships with state and local governments, academies of science and other state-level scientific entities could improve the utility of their advisory resources. We present case studies from Connecticut and Missouri, where such a model has allowed scientists to contribute to policymaking on state-level issues. We further discuss the benefits and limitations of this advisory model and explain how this approach can benefit states with different political compositions and legislative structures. By partnering more intentionally with state and local governments, academies of science can make more effective contributions to address the growing science policy issues of the 21st century and beyond.