The role of science in the policy process: responding to drought in Australia and the USA

This research will compare the role of science in the development of drought policy in the US and Australia in order to understand better the relationship between scientific advice and the policy process. Very similar drought challenges have been met with different policy responses in the two countries. Scientific engagement in Australia with drought policy has been largely reactive, responding to the needs generated by the implementation of policy. In the US scientists have been more important in setting the drought policy agenda. This project will assess the impact on policy outcomes of these different models and the implications for scientists involved in the policy process.