Viewed from the perspective of problem or decision theory, the process of government is a form of multi-dimensional optimisation. Conservation science has a role to play in guiding this optimisation in relevant fields. Working with/in government requires capacity to flex to the various stresses operating at any time. Scientific activity requires more than a support function in government because it needs to lead development of long-term strategy. Conservation research often emphasises highly specialised studies of particular species or habitats in particular circumstances with little power to generalise. More could be done to lead, and question, the basis of the current policy balance between protecting species and habitats and protecting functional ecosystems and measuring ecosystem dynamics. Conservation science is also challenged by difficulties associated with issues of replication and appropriate statistical power. This generates high uncertainty and a tendency to overinterpret results, as well as a complex interaction with the political discourse requiring careful management of the extent to which this influences research outcomes.