Science Policy
This course offers a simulation of a policy-focused work environment, where students will explore the core principles of Canadian science policy and government regulation. Working in "policy teams," we address a significant health-related policy issue while gaining insights into career paths within this field. We also navigated the process a federal policy team follows to address a national health problem, which includes: 1. Identifying the issue and setting a national vision; 2. Recognizing challenges and barriers to achieving the national vision through data collection, environmental scanning, literature reviews, and consultations; 3. Developing potential solutions to overcome these barriers using governmental tools; and 4. Implementing these policy initiatives.
Meet the Prof
Course Objectives
01
Overview of Challenges
This assignment focuses on summarizing the existing efforts to address Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) and Sex- and Gender-Based Analysis Plus (SGBA+) issues, in Canada and globally. The goal is to identify the various activities implemented nationally and internationally, assess their effectiveness, and recommend which approaches might be beneficial for Canada. It emphasizes the importance of synthesizing large amounts of information and communicating it clearly to support policy development and inform senior management decisions. These skills are crucial for advancing strategic initiatives in government. The ability to critically analyze and communicate this information is valuable not only for this course but also for future work in policy and other professional settings.
02
Engagement Strategy
This assignment focuses on creating a detailed engagement strategy for senior management, showcasing how you will effectively collaborate with external partners on your SGBA Plus. It requires identifying at least 10 potential partners, evaluating their importance, and determining the appropriate engagement approach using the RACI framework. Additionally, the strategy outlines engagement goals, success criteria, and anticipates stakeholder reactions. By carefully planning how and when to engage each partner, the assignment emphasizes the critical role of collaboration in successful project execution. Mastering this process is essential because poor engagement is a key reason projects fail, making it a vital skill for future policy and project work.
03
Final Solution Presentation
This assignment centers on developing and presenting a comprehensive strategy to address significant challenges in drug development and regulation, with a focus on integrating SGBA Plus (EDI) considerations in Canada. Students will identify current challenges, propose innovative solutions, and define a clear vision for their strategy. Key elements include identifying partners for collaboration, managing risks, and measuring the impact of their solutions. The presentation is crucial as it consolidates the knowledge gained throughout the course and demonstrates the ability to craft effective, evidence-based policy strategies. The assignment is important because it provides practical experience in tackling real-world issues and developing actionable solutions that could shape future healthcare policies in Canada.
Reflection
1
What I learned
This course proved to be the most challenging one so far, so I learned a lot. I explored how to set performance expectations, measure outcomes, and foster accountability within policy work. Engagement strategies were key to ensuring active participation, requiring clear communication and alignment with stakeholder values. These concepts deepened my understanding of managing science policy within regulatory frameworks.
2
Skills I developed
I developed strong project management skills in this course, especially since much of the work was done in groups. I had to ensure not only that I stayed on top of my tasks but also that my teammates were aligned, as we all had other commitments. We worked together to set deadlines and ensure that we produced high-quality work as a team
3
How will I use it in the future
In the future, these project management skills will be invaluable when working in interdisciplinary teams or leading projects in complex environments. I'll be able to effectively coordinate tasks, set clear deadlines, and keep everyone aligned, ensuring that projects stay on track despite competing priorities. This experience has prepared me to manage not only my responsibilities but also to motivate and organize others, fostering collaboration and high-quality output in any group setting.