the-BA : BA Press Release

The BA (British Association for the Advancement of Science) welcomes a new report from the Royal Society that urges scientists to take a more considered approach in communicating research results.

The report, Science and the public interest: communicating the results of new scientific research to the public, outlines 15 questions to consider in order to guide researchers in being more public interest aware.

Commenting on the publication of the report, Roland Jackson, Chief Executive of the BA, said: “All scientists should embrace the presentation and discussion of their work in a publicly understandable form as well as the desire to acquire the skills to do so.

“Greater public understanding will be achieved through a scientific community that is self-reflexive about the place of its work in a social context,” he added.

The report has come about in light of notable controversies on research relating to MMR vaccine, smoking, GM foods and other issues that have had a significant sway in the way people view the scientific findings.

Aoife O'Mongain, a former BA Media Fellow recognises, "How important it is to be effective at science communicating and to remember who the audience is. We need to examine the positive aspects of publicising our science."

The report also addresses commercially funded research that conflicts with public interest, where research results have sometimes been suppressed to satisfy commercial confidentiality to highlight the necessity of corporate social responsibility.

ENDS

For further information please contact:

Fai Lee, Press Officer, the BA

Tel: 020 7019 4947
Email: fai.lee@the-ba.net
Note for editors

1. The BA (British Association for the Advancement of Science) exists to create a positive social climate in which science, and the organisations dependent on it, advances with public consent and with the involvement and active support of non-scientists. We seek to achieve that by connecting science with people: promoting openness about science in society and affirming science as a prime cultural force through engaging and inspiring adults and young people directly with science and technology, and their implications. Established in 1831, the BA organises major initiatives across the UK, including the annual BA Festival of Science, National Science Week, programmes of regional and local events, and an extensive programme for young people in schools and colleges. For more information about the BA, please visit www.the-ba.net.

2. The BA Media Fellowships are intended to create a greater awareness and understanding of the workings of the media among practising scientists, social scientists and engineers. The fellowships provide placements working with a national press, broadcast or internet journalist. During placements of between three and eight weeks fellows learn to work within the conditions and constraints of the media to produce accurate and well informed pieces about developments in science.

3. The Royal Society report, Science and the public interest: communicating the results of new scientific research to the public can be downloaded from http://www.royalsoc.ac.uk/page.asp?id=4686

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