Interviews with policy and scientific stakeholders on the science–policy interface

This document presents the initial findings from a series of interviews conducted with policy and scientific stakeholders working at the nexus of climate change, agriculture, and nutrition in Mexico. Before launching the interviews, the team conducted an actor‑mapping exercise to identify key institutions across political, academic, and civil society sectors. The interviews pursue two main objectives: understanding how intersectoral collaboration occurs around climate‑related challenges and analyzing how scientific knowledge circulates within political decision‑making processes.Interviewees, preselected and subsequently identified per snowball sampling, were high‑level public officials and academics involved in climate‑related bodies. The interview questions addressed organizational roles, intersectoral relationships, engagement with scientific knowledge, and professional backgrounds. Approval of the interview guidelines was obtained from CIMMYT’s Ethical Commission prior to beginning the interview series. In 2025, 39 invitations were sent and 11 interviews were completed, representing a 28% response rate. Respondents came from government ministries and special groups, academia, and civil society.Early insights show that the science–policy interface is complex and uneven. While initial mapping focused on the Ministries of Agriculture and Health, interviews revealed a much wider network of actors, including additional ministries, academic institutions, and civil society organizations. Political bodies vary in how they value scientific input, and academic institutions are influenced by shifting government priorities and funding cycles.'This work was supported by the Wellcome Trust [310024/Z/24/Z]. Potential climate change effects on food security, nutrition, and health of the Mexican population. Co-design integrated policy measures. January 2024 '