Measuring the results of research investment
Thursday 22 March 2012
Title: Measuring the results of research investment
Speakers: Dr Julia I. Lane, US National Science Foundation
Venue: Acton Theatre, Level 1, JG Crawford Bldng #132, Lennox Crossing, ANU
Date: 22/3/12
Description:
How can we assess the impacts of public funding for science and research? And what is the evidence base for science, research and innovation policy decisions?
Questions such as these are becoming more important as the public demands more accountability from the research community and discussion moves on from measuring the quality of research to broader socio-economic impacts. However the mechanisms that connect knowledge to social, environmental and economic outcomes such as job creation are still not well understood.
John Marburger, the Science Advisor to President Bush, pointed out this lack of 'science' in science policy in 2005. The NSF's Science of Science and Innovation Policy (SciSIP) Program was established to develop, improve and expand models, analytical tools, data and metrics that can be used to inform science and innovation policy decision-making. It has led to initiatives such as STAR METRICS - Science and Technology for America's Reinvestment: Measuring the Effect of Research on Innovation, Competitiveness and Science.
Dr Julia I. Lane will discuss the origins of the SciSIP Program, its achievements to date, relevant international experience and challenges for the next 5-10 years. In her role as Program Director of the Science of Science and Innovation Policy Program at the NSF, Dr Lane established and managed the SciSIP Program, developed the STAR METRICS initiative, co-chaired the US Government's SciSIP inter-agency group, and led the development for the White House of the national R&D dashboard. She is the author/editor of seven books, including the 2011 edited volume The Handbook of the Science of Science Policy, and numerous articles. Dr Lane is a Fellow of the American Statistical Association.
This seminar is presented in partnership with the Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research, University of Melbourne.
In line with its mission to foster more vibrant public debate on government policy choices, the HC Coombs Policy Forum has put in place a pilot joint venture with the ABC. One of the fruits of this collaboration is ABC 24's new Future Forum television series. This series considers and debates hypothetical situations that Australia may face in the future as a result of key policy choices made today.
The Australian National Institute of Public Policy (ANIPP) and the HC Coombs Policy Forum receive Australian Government funding under the Enhancing Public Policy Initiative.