Scientists and politicians debate the role of science in legislative development in the Spanish Parliament

The first #CienciaenelParlamento conference has been held today, with scientists and politicians debating the role of science in the process of drafting laws and public policies. The  Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology (FECYT) cooperates with this initiative promoted by the researcher Andreu Climent, which aims to incorporate scientific knowledge as a source of information for MPs and help them in this way with the formulation of their political proposals.

The first session was closed by the Minister of Science, Innovation and Universities, Pedro Duque, who applauded the initiative and announced that his Ministry aims to present a programme against pseudoscience with the collaboration of the Ministry of Health, Consumer Affairs and Social Welfare.
 
The sessions were inaugurated by the President of the Congress of Deputies, Ms. Ana Pastor, and the Secretary of State for Universities, Research, Development and Innovation, Ms.  Ángeles Heras, and were held in the context of the 40th anniversary of the Spanish Constitution.

During two days, 24 scientists (10 men and 14 women), selected through a public call, presented the existing scientific evidence, which they have been gathering since July, on topics of major social relevance. A total of 12 discussion tables have been established:

• Artificial Intelligence and Big Data: future outputs
• Aging and health: from nutrition to advanced therapies
• Family and social reconciliation
• Climate change and the future of energy
• Active prevention of suicide
• Cyber security, open data and E-Democracy
• Pollution by plastics
• Evidence-based education: mathematics as the engine of society
• Challenges of infectious diseases
• Emerging technologies in transport and communications
• Water management
• Social inclusion, migrations and refugees

The panels are composed of two scientific advisory technicians, scientific experts and deputies from different political groups (Grupo Popular, Grupo Socialista, Grupo Ciudadanos, Grupo Unidos Podemos-En Comú Podem-En Marea, Grupo Esquerra Republicana, Grupo Mixto PDeCAT and Grupo Mixto Compromís).

FECYT has collaborated in the coordination of some of the expert panels. The Foundation also organized the first day of training in scientific and technological advice to the legislative branch, given by national and international experts last July at the National Museum of Science and Technology (MUNCYT).