Our collective expertise spans three areas: science for policy (also known as evidence-based decision making); policy for science; and, governance of emerging technologies. We address issues from the funding of the S&T enterprise, through its regulatory oversight to its social implications.

Our mandate

The ISSP’s mandate is to foster rigorous decision-making in uncertain, disruptive times on complex problems at the interface of science, society and policy. By strengthening links between these three spheres, the ISSP’s work improves the governance of science, technology, and innovation.

Our research themes

Key themes in the Institute’s research, outreach and teaching include science for policy (evidence-based decision-making), policies for science/technology/innovation, and the governance of emerging and disruptive technologies.

Our value proposition

The Institute’s value proposition lies in its members’ cutting-edge multidisciplinary research and engagement; members’ thought leadership; its bilingualism and strategic location in the nation’s capital; and its reputation as a trusted convener and solution seeker on complex contentious issues.

The ISSP’s research programme focusses on the interface of science, society and policy, and addresses the Institute’s key themes of science for policy (evidence-informed decision-making), policy for science (science, technology and innovation policies) and governance of emerging technologies.

We address pressing public-policy challenges and engage senior practitioner perspectives in all of our research projects. We convene diverse disciplinary perspectives and foster robust partnerships between academia, government, industry, the science community, NGOs and Indigenous representatives.