Abstract:
A majority of policymakers support scientific information, evidence and research, and agreed that they seek scientific opinion when formulating policy. However, there are needs for middlemen to translate scientific evidence to politicians/decision makers. The International Network for Government Science Advice (INGSA) Asia surveyed a total of 306 respondents consisting of policymakers, scientists and researchers from various Asian countries including Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Pakistan, Cambodia, Myanmar, India, Sri Lanka, China, Korea, Bangladesh, Japan, Vietnam, Philippines, Nepal and Laos. The objective was to understand the perspectives of policymakers and scientists or researchers on the use of scientific knowledge, as well as the role of scientists or researchers in policy making.