Scientific policy advice

The Netherlands boasts an extensive advisory system, comprising numerous knowledge and advisory bodies. These serve as vital bridges between science and the realms of politics and public administration. The role of knowledge in both domains differs – in science, questions guide the process, whereas the world of politics prefers clear answers. The convergence of these dynamics in scientific policy advice presents intriguing challenges. Damstra: ‘Through this research remit, I aim to explore the interplay between these concepts and, in particular, how politicisation processes influence advisory practices.’

Social developments

The political interpretation of scientific insights – politicisation – is not a new phenomenon, but it has manifested itself in new ways in recent years. Damstra points out two developments in the Dutch context: ‘The emergence of parties and politicians openly challenging the legitimacy of scientific knowledge, especially regarding knowledge-intensive issues like COVID-19, climate, nitrogen and migration.’ Moreover, public discourse is increasingly unfolding online. While platforms offer unprecedented opportunities for knowledge dissemination, they also foster counter-reactions, sometimes substantive, but increasingly characterised by intimidation and threats. This shift has altered the landscape, even for advisory bodies.’ 

About Alyt Damstra

Alyt Damstra, who initially studied political science at UvA, transitioned to Political Communication (ASCoR) for her doctoral research. For her dissertation, she investigated the influence of economic news, and she has also published on the role of media coverage in parties’ electoral successes. In recent years, Damstra has been involved in the international research project Knowledge Resistance, investigating the politicisation of knowledge online, alongside her role at the Scientific Council for Government Policy (WRR) in The Hague.