INGSA-Asia Science Advice Workshops

Background

Low and middle-income countries in Asia face significant disparities in scientific capacity and ability to influence public policy, which is likely to affect responses to future pandemics, climate change and technological advancements such as Artificial Intelligence, according to the International Network for Government Science Advice.

To meet this challenge the International Science Council Regional Focal Point for Asia and the Pacific has partnered with the International Network for Governmental Science Advice-Asia to strengthen the institutional science advice capability in Asia through training opportunities, stronger engagement with policymakers, building regional and inter-regional networks, and strengthening the regional science-advice ecosystem.

Specifically, two initiatives, which have a track record of strengthening regional science-policy capability have been supported:

INGSA-Asia Grassroots Science Advice Workshops

The INGSA-Asia Grassroots Workshops are an opportunity for all scientists, researchers, academics and practitioners in Asia to share their knowledge and insights on science advice with fellow members of the scientific community and policymakers in their home countries. This programme was launched in 2019 and has since funded landmark science advice workshops in Bangladesh, Nepal, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Cambodia, Pakistan, and the Philippines.

In 2024, INGSA-Asia supported by the ISC Regional Focal Point for Asia and the Pacific is offering seed grants to selected applicants with high quality and well-outlined proposals to organize workshops promoting science advice at an institutional or national level in their respective countries.

Successful applicants will be mentored by experts in the science-policy nexus who will provide valuable guidance and support for the successful implementation of their workshops.

Annual Regional Workshops on issues of strategic importance

The ISC Regional Focal Point for Asia and the Pacific is also partnering with INGSA-Asia along with their Southeast Asia Science Advice Network (SEA SAN) and the International Institute for Science Diplomacy and Sustainability (IISDS) based at UCSI University in Malaysia to address issues that significantly impact the Southeast Asian region.