Dear Dr. Flachowsky,

I appreciate your comments and could not agree with you more on the complexity of the science policy interface, which captures the many different ways that scientists and policy makers interact with and influence each other.  Many of the regulations and practices you identified are policies that are reflective of influences that different groups in society have had on the policy making process in Europe and in other parts of the world.  Many policies and pressures are locality specific, which, as you rightly point out, create a highly complex decision making environment.

Our interest is focused on your experiences at the interface of science and policy.  We are asking about the insights you might have about the points of influence that your evidence has had on policy. Alternatively, we are asking about your experiences with barriers to access and barriers to influence on policy. Our aim is to improve how we move from evidence to decision making and policy?

You provided us an excellent example of your work, and much of the content of your review paper identifies issues to be solved. Your comments also provide helpful insights about your experience with and perspectives on the policy process.  Thank you for your time and contribution to the consultation.

Kind regards,

Eric Welch, PhD

Arizona State University