Front Row Seat – How Science Can And Can’t Shape Public Decision-Making

Description

Temporarily out of stock

ISBN: 9781776711932
Title: Front Row Seat – How Science Can And Can’t Shape Public Decision-Making
Author: GERRARD JULIET

Responding to the terrorist attack on a Christchurch mosque and a global pandemic, the volcanic eruption at Whakaari/White Island and the occupation of Parliament grounds, for six years Dame Juliet Gerrard stood next to Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and her successors to provide the insights that science might bring to decisions on issues of public importance.

Sometimes these were emergencies: How fast will Covid spread? How many people are likely to die under different policies? Will the mosque terrorist produce copycats? And sometimes they were longer-term issues: What does the science say about cannabis? Should we worry about 5G or genetic engineering? Will it be easy or hard to get rid of plastic bags? Through case studies like these, Gerrard reflects on the realities of providing evidence to inform policy in the political arena – unpacking the tensions and drawing out general principles.

For anyone interested in evidence and public policy, Front Row Seat is a readable insider account of how science can (and can’t) help us solve big public issues.

Format: Trade Paper
Publication date: 10/09/2026
Temporarily out of stock
RRP: $35.00