What can the Independent Panel on Evidence for Action against Antimicrobial Resistance learn from science policy-interfaces in global environmental governance? A scoping review and conceptual framework

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a significant global health threat. To facilitate the generation and use of scientific evidence to support member states in their efforts to tackle AMR, the political declaration of the 2024 United Nations General Assembly High Level Meeting on AMR called for the establishment of an Independent Panel for Evidence on Action against Antimicrobial Resistance (IPEA). Translating evidence into action for complex problems like AMR is both technically difficult and inherently political, requiring the integration of multiple disciplines and sectors, and balancing diverse interests and priorities. In this scoping review, we synthesize the literature on the key normative and institutional design features and principles that underlie the effectiveness of Science-Policy Interfaces (SPIs) in global environmental governance, where SPIs have been operating for decades, to inform design choices for IPEA and other global SPIs. We found that the effectiveness of SPIs in environmental governance stems from their credibility, relevance, and legitimacy, which are driven by six normative governance principles (inclusiveness, accountability, transparency, communication, sustainability, and equity). These governance principles shape the effectiveness of SPI outputs through five process-related impact pathways: 1) trust building, 2) quality of knowledge, 3) clear roles and responsibilities for stakeholders, 4) SPI independence, and 5) contestability of evidence. These governance principles and pathways are interdependent; therefore, policymakers must carefully weigh trade-offs and make strategic choices. By moving from normative considerations of effectiveness to understand the impact of institutional features of SPIs, this synthesis can inform the practical design and evaluation of IPEA and other SPIs tackling complex health challenges.