As an academic centre outside of the normal departmental structure, Science21 has been structured to ensure that we are able to be responsive to the needs of policy makers. The Centre can provide access to research findings in science education, as well as syntheses and/or interpretations to support evidence-informed decision-making.

Where the evidence does not exist, we can act quickly to undertake the appropriate research and provide timely information. Inevitably, decisions need to be made under conditions of significant uncertainty and research findings can help to improve confidence in the judgements made.

Science21 produces concise and generic briefings about issues and research in science education in which a clear distinction is made between the research evidence and the views and interpretation of the team at the centre. A news-feed specifically designed to pick up science education stories from Australia and further afield is available. We believe that this is the only science-education specific service of its kind in the world.

Specific briefings, literature reviews and research reports can be commissioned and a number of organisations have already engaged the Centre in this way.

Science21 plays an advisory role, and has made presentations to a number of policy-related organisations including The Institute of Innovation and Information Productivity, The South Australian Premier's Science and Research Council, The futureSACE Learning Area Committee in Science, and the Ri Australia program Advisory Board.