Workshop on Institutionalizing Science Advice to Governments by AASSA and the National Academy of Sciences of Sri Lanka
At the workshop on "Institutionalizing Science Advice to Governments" organized by the Association of Academies and Societies of Sciences in Asia (AASSA) and the National Academy of Sciences of Sri Lanka (NASSL), chaired by TÜBA Principal Member Prof. Dr. Ahmet Nuri Yurdusev, TÜBA was represented by Academy Senior Advisor Dr. Musab Talha Akpınar.
The workshop, held in Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka, was attended by presidents of science academies, government representatives, international organizations and associations, researchers, educators, and civil society organizations from various disciplines. The opening remarks were given by AASSA President Prof. Yurdusev and President of the National Academy of Sciences of Sri Lanka Prof. Dr. Nadira Karunaweera.
Prof. Dr. Yurdusev emphasized the importance of science academies providing recommendations and support to governments and politicians. He stated that the workshop examined the institutionalization of science and various aspects of science advice, and the detailed discussions would shed light on important issues, illuminate many prominent problems, and ultimately contribute to institutionalization.
In the second session of the meeting, Dr. Musab Talha Akpınar, a faculty member at Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University, gave a presentation titled "Situation Analysis of Science Advice to Governments in Türkiye." He highlighted the importance of institutionalization and the contributions of TÜBA, TÜBİTAK (The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye), and the Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye’s Board of Science, Technology, and Innovation Policies in terms of policy-making. He also emphasized the significance of the government establishing and supporting scientific institutions and consulting with scientists for administrative decisions in the modern age.
Academies from 10 different Asian countries delivered their presentations during the workshop. The exchange of information during the meeting delved into the institutionalization of science academies and science advice, examined the challenges in this area, sought answers to questions, and contributed to existing practices in science and society.
