Louise E Jackson, Philippe Jarne, Paul Shrivastava, Thaura Ghneim-Herrera, Sonja Vermeulen, Carlos Alvarez Pereira, Camilla Toulmin, Paulo H N Saldiva, Ibrahima Thioub, Carlos Maria Correa, Claire Immediato Daien, Patrick Caron
Disputes and polarization at the intersection of agriculture, food, health and the environment are impeding food system transformation towards sustainability. Engagement of scientists in complex controversies along with other actors-especially in transdisciplinary approaches that recognize values and interests, build on disagreements and enable ideas to evolve-can foster collective knowledge and intelligence, reduce polarization and generate multi-sectoral innovation. Here a framework is presented for increasing the contribution of scientists to actionable knowledge and improving science-policy-society interfaces for the public good. Succeeding in these roles, although challenging, could motivate the next generation of food system scientists towards greater public involvement and collective action.