Abstract
This paper discusses a regulatory science, which fills a gap between scientific knowledge and regulatory actions. The author provides examples of the regulatory science employed in chemical risk assessment, such as the linear non-threshold theory. The characteristics and future research needs are also pointed out. In the regulatory science, scientific data as well as scientific reasoning based on scientific knowledge—or regulatory rules—should play an important role. It is important to recognize that the rules facilitate transparent decision making under conditions of uncertainty and time constraints. Furthermore, the development of traditional or pure science results in the validation of regulatory rules, and subsequently, the regulatory science procedure develops more systematically. Further, the political requirements of policy makers, such as the establishment of a risk assessment method for emerging risks, will contribute to the framework of the regulatory science. The concept of this science should be understood by those engaged in governmental decision making.
