Public in the Lead: Six Paths to Democratic Science Policy

Nature argues that trust in elites is waning and public input should be embedded in research and policymaking through six steps: involve the public in research, make science advisory bodies participatory, embrace diverse knowledge (including Indigenous and community expertise), be humble and transparent about methods and uncertainties, acknowledge scientists’ values, and enable co-design with communities—citing EU Horizon 2020 priority setting, citizen panels influencing Danish and NASA decisions, and community-led mangrove restoration as evidence that public involvement boosts legitimacy and policy relevance.