The Cameroon Academy of Sciences model of evidence-based science advice

Abstract

The evidence-based science advice (ESA) effort of the Cameroon Academy of Sciences (CAS) since 23 years has been reviewed. The objective throughout has been to enable science influence policy/decision making at all levels – national, regional and global. The key partners of CAS included the United States National Academy of Sciences (USNAS), the German Academy of Sciences (Leopoldina), the Royal Society of United Kingdom, as well as the Network of African Science Academies (NASAC), the InterAcademy Partnership (Science, Health, Research), the Commonwealth Science Academies and the International Science Council. The mechanisms used included consensus studies, workshops, public lectures, participation in sectoral committees, summaries of key scientific publications and joint statements. Priorities handled through convening activities were triggered by policy/decision making sector requests or Academy foresights. The response/impact of the effort varied from media coverage through policy/programme change/orientation. The major challenges faced included insufficient financial/human resources, inadequate office space, and weak links with government. These challenges must be addressed to enable effective evidence-based science advice which is increasingly unavoidable for sustainable development.

Keywords: Evidence-based science, advice, policy, decision-maker