Communication with national and regional policymakers in the Arctic: Experience for future two way sharing processes in science communication

This presentation was part of the session "Improving intercultural and transdisciplinary collaborations in Arctic research by better understanding the value of capacity sharing - Special ECR and Arctic youth version" at the Arctic Science Summit Week 2023. 

The presentation topic was “Communication with national and regional policymakers in the Arctic: Experience for future two-way sharing processes in science communication”. In the presentation, we analysed responses to the interview questions “How can scientists help policymakers? What can they do in order to make policymaking at the subnational level more efficient?” and came to very important conclusions:
1. Do not underestimate the local level of governance! Before going to international and global agendas, carefully consider what is happening and what knowledge gaps are in your place and your community.
2. Do not hesitate to contact policymakers! Regardless of their status, they are always interested in seeing scientific results, scientific knowledge that can be useful in the future, or at least participating in co-production! Public servants are not scary!
3. Explain science! Make science concrete and understandable for all. The community is not only natural scientists or academics. Policymakers want practical reports with socio-economic effects and conclusions, not just digits.