Scientific Societies As Drivers of Science Reform

This research examines the critical role of scientific societies in influencing scientific reforms and advocating for accountability within Iran's predominantly state-controlled science policy. The main research question addressed is how scientific societies in Iran influence science policy and contribute to scientific reforms. The study involves an in-depth analysis of official documents related to science policy and the functioning of scientific societies in Iran and semi-structured interviews with a sample of Iranian scientific society presidents to obtain qualitative data on their perspectives, challenges, and strategies in dealing with state-driven science policies. Utilizing Bourdieu's field theory, the research investigates the complex relationship between science and politics and uses Burawoy's typology of sociology to uncover scientific professionalism. Their engagement in policymaking and their ability to moderate, challenge, or oppose state-driven policies largely depend on their development of professional, critical, policy, and public dimensions of their professionalism. The study finds that scientific societies encompassing a broader range of professionalism dimensions can be more influential. With multifaceted professionalism in science, these societies are more experienced in navigating constrained environments, influencing policy decisions, driving scientific reform, and upholding scientific integrity. The relative independence of scientific societies, particularly compared to universities, provides an outlook on their potential to shape science dynamics.