Dr Stephen Benn discusses the government's need for sound scientific advice when making political decisions.

"There has never been a time when science has been more central to the concerns of Government and Parliament;

"Or a time when scientific advice has been more necessary;

"Or its influence more crucial.

"Over the course of history Governments have been advised and influenced by philosophers, lawyers, diplomats, academics, journalists and economists - and more recently by single issue pressure groups, by environmental and non governmental organisations and by others.

"All these still have a role to play.

"But the issues that face Governments and Legislators around the world now involve science, engineering and technology to a more pervasive extent than ever before.

"Here in the UK the fundamental issues that face Government and Parliament - and the decisions on what to do about them - still remain essentially political issues that need political decisions.

"But scientific advice is both needed and required.

"The scientific community now has a greater opportunity - and responsibility - than ever before to ensure that it provides the best possible scientific advice in the most timely and understandable way.

"The RSC Policy Bulletin is part of that process.

"All the sciences have a contribution to make and all should cooperate - and be seen to cooperate - with each other if they want to be influential.

"The chemical sciences in particular have a positive role to play in addressing fundamental problems precisely because in many cases (such as Energy or Climate Change) it is the chemical sciences that can provide solutions to some of these problems:

"That is why the RSC is committed to being influential;

"That is why the RSC advocates a close working relationship between the scientific community, Parliament and Government;

"That is why the RSC invites discussion and debate on the wide variety of subjects covered by these interesting, topical and relevant articles;

"That is why this Policy Bulletin matters."

Dr Stephen Benn
RSC Parliamentary Affairs