Science and Society

Author: House of Lords Science and Technology Special Committee
Publisher:
Publication Date: 2004-11-01
Features: The 1985 report "Public Understanding of Science" gave legitimacy to science communication and mobilized the scientific community to take action. The 2000 report "Science and Society" will undoubtedly clear the way for comprehensive, candid, and extensive public dialogue, discussion, and debate on science and its impact on individuals and society.—Steve Miller
This report highlights five key issues: (1) the need to create a new culture between scientists and the public; (2) attention should be paid to the values and attitudes of the public; (3) there is a crisis of public trust in the advice submitted by the scientific community to the government; (4) all advisory and decision-making bodies related to science must adopt open and transparent working methods; (5) scientists and the media need to engage in constructive cooperation. The UK government agrees that these are important themes requiring further measures, not only for the government but also for the entire scientific community.—Excerpt from the UK government's response to the "Science and Society" report
The title "Science and Society" is more appealing than "Public Understanding of Science" because it embodies a dialogical approach that the latter lacks. The insights reflected in the "Science and Society" report, which demonstrate the influence of Professor John Durant and Professor Brian Wynne.—Ian Hargreaves and Galit Ferguson—Excerpt from the report "Who Misunderstands Whom"
The democratic model of science communication is both persuasive and inevitable. The issue is not whether science should adapt but how it should adapt, if science wants to regain public trust.—Ian Hargreaves and Galit Ferguson—Excerpt from the report "Who Misunderstands Whom"
This report highlights five key issues: (1) the need to create a new culture between scientists and the public; (2) attention should be paid to the values and attitudes of the public; (3) there is a crisis of public trust in the advice submitted by the scientific community to the government; (4) all advisory and decision-making bodies related to science must adopt open and transparent working methods; (5) scientists and the media need to engage in constructive cooperation. The UK government agrees that these are important themes requiring further measures, not only for the government but also for the entire scientific community.