Data has never been more available, or harder to trust.

For public sector professionals, the challenge is not simply finding data, research or expert advice. It is knowing what deserves confidence, what needs to be questioned and how to make sound decisions when the evidence is incomplete, contested or generated by AI.

That becomes even harder when the evidence challenges an established priority.

Join Dr Cathy Foley AO PSM, former Chief Scientist of Australia and President of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering, for a timely conversation about using science and evidence with greater confidence in public sector work.

If your work involves assessing evidence, briefing decision-makers or turning complex information into policy or program advice, this webinar will help you ask sharper questions, work more effectively with experts and translate complex information into advice that is clear, useful and trusted.

The conversation will explore how to assess credible evidence, work with gaps and uncertainty, recognise the limitations of AI-generated content and navigate situations where the evidence may challenge an existing policy direction or ministerial priority.

What you will gain

You will leave better equipped to:

• assess whether evidence is credible, relevant and fit for purpose
• ask better questions of data, research and expert advice
• work confidently with uncertainty and gaps in information
• recognise the limitations of AI-generated content
• translate complex evidence into clear and useful advice
• navigate difficult conversations when evidence challenges established priorities.

Who should attend?

This session is for people who:

• work in policy or program design, delivery or evaluation
• assess research, data or expert advice
• prepare advice or brief decision-makers
• communicate technical or uncertain information
• collaborate with scientific, technical or academic experts
• provide evidence-based advice to the public sector.

It will be particularly relevant to APS5 to EL2 professionals and equivalent levels, public sector academics, and science professionals who work with government.

If you work for the federal or ACT public service, or in the broader public – for – purpose sector, you’re most likely already a member of IPAA ACT. Check out our membership list if you’re not sure.