An informed public expects elected officials and public servants to implement measures supported by factual information, rational analysis, and the latest available evidence. Integrating scientific insights into policymaking is thus essential for maintaining public trust and legitimacy. However, this is often hindered by a confluence of technical, cultural, and political challenges, including competing ideas of expertise and conflicting scientific and governance paradigms.

Responding to these challenges, this course explores the fundamental and often contested relationship between science and society, focusing on the implicit agreements or "science-society contract" that govern how scientific knowledge is produced, legitimized, and applied in public life and democratic governance. The course covers important questions such as who benefits from science, who speaks for it, and how its authority is justified.

This course can be used to fulfil the "Critical Perspectives" Professional Requirement.