Best Available Science: Fundamental Metrics for Evaluation of Scientific Claims

Best Available Science: Fundamental Metrics for Evaluation of Scientific Claims is the culmination of three decades of expertise gained within the worlds of science and policy; the synthesis of which has resulted in a process known as Best Available Science. The process of Best Available Science provides scientists and non-scientists clear and easy assessment techniques for evaluating the reliability of scientific information. Policymakers, judges, government agency staff, lawmakers, scientists, and others must constantly balance scientific, social, economic, political, and emotional considerations when making decisions based upon scientific information. However, they are often on their own when determining the validity and applicability of scientific and technical data. Now, the concept of Best Available Science can be used to help facilitate sound decision making as a consequence of careful assessment of informational reliability as well as evaluation of the maturity of the underlying science. The Best Available Science concept is a simple assessment system that provides a standardized framework for understanding the validity of scientific information. It enables decision-makers to effectively utilize scientific information by classifying scientific issues in policymaking and isolating them from areas outside the purview of science. As we continue to strive for excellence in both science and policy in an ever-changing landscape, this guide, Best Available Science, provides a valuable resource and tool to both assess information and science in order to make the best decisions possible and enable more meaningful communication between scientists and policymakers.