Evidence and Preparedness in Drug Policy: Academic Reflections on Data, Bias, and Scientific Communication

This presentation offers an academic reflection on the role of evidence and preparedness in drug policy, with a focus on how scientific knowledge is interpreted, communicated, and integrated into decision-making processes. It examines the relationship between data, inference, and cognitive bias, emphasizing that data only acquires meaning through scientific interpretation and that bias must be actively managed within research and policy contexts. The presentation highlights the role of academia as an intermediary between the state and citizenry, contributing to legitimacy and authority in public decision-making. Through case studies such as glyphosate spraying in Colombia and the opioid crisis, it illustrates how misinterpretation of scientific evidence can shape public discourse and policy outcomes. The analysis underscores the importance of institutional scientific literacy and effective science communication in bridging gaps between stakeholders. The presentation concludes by stressing the need for methodological rigor in public debates, recognizing the probabilistic nature of scientific evidence and its limits in addressing complex social phenomena.