The municipal science advice movement is in full swing! Following an open letter published by the Chief Scientist of Québec in 2021, a number of Québec municipalities have shown a keen interest in advancing the use of science by their administrative and political teams. This is a much-needed step if cities and towns are to have access to all the information they need to make informed decisions on transport, housing, climate change adaptation, and other issues.
The Office of the Chief Scientist of Québec, the Fonds de recherche du Québec and its partners are enthusiastic about supporting this movement, which generally entails the appointment of chief science advisors.
Appointments
The following appointments have been made by municipalities and municipal organizations and brought to the attention of the Office of the Chief Scientist of Québec.
- Simon Barnabé, chief science advisor of Victoriaville and professor at the Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR)
- Julie-Maude Normandin, chief science advisor of Longueuil and associate researcher at Cité-ID Living Lab (École nationale d’administration publique (ENAP))
- Audrey Maheu, Nathalie St-Amour, Guy Chiasson, Sylvain Delagrange et Mario Gauthier, members of the Gatineau Scientific Council and professors at the Université du Québec en Outaouais (UQO)
- Claude Maheux-Picard, ing., chief science advisor of Sorel-Tracy and General Manager of the Centre de transfert technologique en écologie industrielle (CTTEI)
- Raphaël Proulx, Sousso Kelouwani et Frédéric Laurin, members of the Drummondville Scientific Council and professors at UQTR
- Émilie Charbonneau, scientifique en chef et responsable de la réglementation environnementale, Communauté métropolitaine de Montréal
- Philippe Constant, chief science advisor of Mirabel and researcher at Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS)
Municipal chief science advisors coordinating group
This group provides a forum for discussion and consultation, with the aim of establishing a coherent approach to the provision of municipal science advice across Québec.
What is science advice at the municipal level ?
The Office of the Chief Scientist of Québec can assist municipalities in appointing chief science advisors, with the support of Simon Barnabé, Quebec’s first appointed municipal chief science advisor.
What is the role of a chief science advisor?
The chief science advisors currently serving in various jurisdictions around the world act as leaders in maintaining a constant dialogue and a relationship of trust between the scientific community and decision-makers at the highest political level. In concrete terms, chief science advisors provide support for decision-making through a neutral and impartial consultancy service based on the best available scientific evidence. They can also reinforce scientific culture within the public administration, support data collection and sharing, and more.
What formats are possible?
Municipalities are extremely creative when it comes to developing science advice mechanisms tailored to their reality: sometimes the role is embodied by an individual (a chief science advisor) who is hired by the city or works for a higher education institution. Sometimes, this role is performed by an advisory committee made up of several scientists. The adopted format should guarantee the ability to provide science advice that is (1) neutral and impartial, (2) in all fields, (3) informed by the best available scientific evidence, and (4) at the highest decision-making level in the municipality.
Is there a difference between a science advisor and a chief science advisor?
Beyond the title, it is important to understand the added value of establishing a privileged relationship of trust between the scientific and political communities, over and above ad hoc or targeted requests. People referred to as ‘science advisors’ generally provide consultancy services in their field of expertise. For example, an environmental researcher may provide consultancy services for a plan to combat climate change. Individuals appointed as CHIEF science advisors play a broader role, acting as influencers of policy through science. For example, they may be asked questions by senior leadership that are not in their field of expertise: they will then have to call on their network to provide an answer based on quality science, within a timeframe compatible with municipal decision-making.
Who appoints municipal chief science advisors?
Municipalities or municipal organizations are responsible for appointing chief science advisors (or advisory committees), usually by means of a resolution passed by the municipal council.
Throughout the process, however, municipalities are encouraged to consult the Chief Scientist of Québec, or chief science advisors already appointed in other municipalities, to benefit from their experience. They are also encouraged to notify the Office of the Chief Scientist of Québec of the appointment, for better integration into the network.
What type of person should serve as science advisor?
Ideally, the person appointed to this role should (1) have a good knowledge of the municipal network or municipality served, (2) be familiar with the scientific method (for example, hold a relevant graduate degree) and (3) have access to a multidisciplinary network of scientific experts. However, many chief science advisors around the world have attested to all the lessons they had to learn on taking up their post (networking, attitudes, political acumen, adaptability, etc.): science advice is grounded in experience more than in theory!
Is this role compatible with research activities?
Appointees are welcome to continue their research activities. This is indeed the case for some departmental chief scientists serving in other countries. However, certain conditions should apply to avoid any appearance of conflict of interest, for example, limiting their involvement in the process of awarding or evaluating the city’s research projects. At all times, the city should remain free in its decisions regarding the awarding of research contracts and subsidies.
Do appointees receive remuneration for their work?
Chief science advisors may receive remuneration for their work, either from the municipality or from their employer (e.g., a higher education institution), but this is not obligatory. For example, in the case of university faculty, the time spent providing science advice may be considered a service to the community.
Does the chief science advisor have to sign an agreement with the municipality?
Municipalities, appointed scientists and other organizations involved (e.g., higher education institutions) are advised to sign a collaboration agreement. At the very least, the parties involved should discuss the following issues in order to determine the conditions of practice:
- Professional status with the city: city employee, consultant, volunteer, etc.
- Reporting line within decision-making bodies: mayor’s office, municipal council, general management, etc.
- Duration of the appointment
- Whether the appointee will be remunerated, and the terms of this remuneration
- What information/data the appointee may access in the course of the mandate, and the associated confidentiality conditions
- Expectations regarding availability to serve the municipality, in relation to expected deliverables
- Resources available to the appointee: operating budget, human resources, physical infrastructure, administrative resources, etc.
- Obligation of professional discretion on files concerning the municipality, and the conditions for the exercise of academic freedom in relation to these files, where applicable
- Declaration of conflict of interest, e.g., if the appointee holds interests in a for-profit company
- If the appointee holds a research contract or grant in partnership with the city, or is involved in the processes of awarding or evaluating research contracts and grants in the city, conditions to avoid any appearance of conflict of interest
- If applicable, any measures needed to ensure that the appointee is able to meet their commitments regarding responsible research conduct and/or their employer’s professional code of ethics (e.g., higher education institution).
Contact
Julie Dirwimmer
Senior Advisor, Science and Society Relations
Office of the Chief Scientist of Québec
514 621-3648