Thompson, Ross M.Barbour, Emily J.Bradshaw, Corey J.A.Briggs, SueByron, NeilGrace, MichaelHart, Barry T.King, Alison J.Likens, Gene E.Pollino, Carmel A.Sheldon, FranStewardson, Michael J.Thoms, MartinWatts, Robyn J.Webb, J. Angus2025-03-292025-03-29Scopus:85125396030https://dspace-test.anu.edu.au/handle/1885/733745425In the face of mounting environmental and political challenges in river management, accurate and timely scientific information is required to inform policy development and guide effective management of waterways. The Murray–Darling Basin is Australia's largest river system by area and is the subject of a heavily contested series of water reforms relying comprehensively on river science. River scientists have specialised knowledge that is an important input into evidence-based decision-making for the management of the Murray–Darling Basin, but despite extensive literature on the interface between science and policy, there is little guidance on achieving policy relevance for practicing scientists. Here, we provide a set of important discussion points for water scientists to consider when engaging with policy-makers and environmental water managers. We place our considerations in the context of a broader literature discussing the role of natural-resource scientists engaging with policy and management. We then discuss the different roles for river scientists when engaging in this space, and the advantages and pitfalls of each. We illustrate the breadth of modes of engagement at the science-policy-management interface using the Murray–Darling Basin as an example. We emphasise the need for effective governance arrangements and data practices to protect scientists from accusations of operating as advocates when working to inform management and policy.We honour and pay our respects to our colleague, Professor Susan (Sue) Briggs, who passed away in December 2021. Sue with RMT co-authored a manuscript “Five principles for ecologists seeking impact through policy” in early 2019 that was the basis for the current paper. We thank several pre-reviewers for their contributions, including; Charley Krebs (University of British Columbia), Nick Bond (LaTrobe University); Samantha Capon (Griffith University); John Dryzek (University of Canberra), Ian Prosser (previously CSIRO), Rory Nathan, Robert Vertessy, Andrew Western, and Ian Rutherfurd (University of Melbourne). Open access publishing facilitated by University of Canberra, as part of the Wiley - University of Canberra agreement via the Council of Australian University Librarians.13EnglishPublisher Copyright: © 2022 The Authors. River Research and Applications published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.administrative captureenvironmental flowsriver managementscience integrityscience-informed policyscience-policy interface202210.1002/rra.3951http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85125396030&partnerID=8YFLogxK