La fonction de conseil en science et technologie. Le cas du Québec

Following their experience as members of the CST (Council for Science and Technology) in Quebec, Alain Bergeron and Hélène Tremblay present here an interesting example of an advisory body being integrated into the process of public decision-making in science and technology. After recounting the origins of the CST and outlining its aims and approach, the authors describe how this truly independent advisory body makes a contribution to all kinds of current debates in science and technology. They stress in particular the qualities that have led successive governments to rely on its advice: the diversity of its membership and their independence (they are appointed in an individual capacity), the use of outside expertise and the support of an extremely competent permanent secretariat.
The authors show how the CST has been able to influence and improve science policy in Quebec. They give an account of the Council’s current concerns, one key issue being the relationship between science and society.