the-BA : Response to Public Attitudes to Science 2008 survey

Response from the BA (British Association for the Advancement of Science) to the ‘Public Attitudes to Science 2008’ survey report prepared by Research Councils UK and the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills

Following the results of the Public Attitudes to Science 2008 survey, commissioned by the Research Councils UK and the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS), the BA (British Association for the Advancement of Science) has released the following statement.

‘While the public’s view of the benefit of science and engineering to society is both high and growing, expressing a very positive overall view of science and engineering, the proportion saying that “scientists should listen more to what ordinary people think” remains very high and has actually increased since surveys in 2000 and 2002,’ observes Roland Jackson, Chief Executive of the BA.

‘There is a strong public desire for scientists to explain and discuss their work, and how they are regulated, and for that communication to be rewarded.

‘The BA calls on all scientists to regard such public discourse both by direct face-to-face conversation and via the media, as a professional responsibility and as an integral part of being a scientist in today’s world.’

The survey is released during National Science and Engineering Week, which runs from 7-16 March. The week draws many scientists into the public domain to discuss their work with interested audiences, and over 750,000 people are expected to engage in scientific and engineering activities throughout the week. A searchable programme of events is available at www.the-ba.net/nsew.

The BA also organises the BA Media Fellowship scheme which gives practising scientists and engineers the experience of working within a media organisation so that they are better equipped to communicate their research and expertise to the public and their colleagues. Applications for the 2008 BA Media Fellowships are now open and run until 31 March. More information is available at www.the-ba.net/mediafellows.

ENDS

For further information please contact:

Lisa Hendry, Press Officer, the BA
Tel: 020 7019 4946
Email: lisa.hendry@the-ba.net

Notes for editors

1. The BA (British Association for the Advancement of Science) is the UK's nationwide, open membership organisation that exists to advance the public understanding, accessibility and accountability of the sciences and engineering. Established in 1831, the BA organises major initiatives across the UK, including National Science and Engineering Week, the annual BA Festival of Science, 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. About National Science and Engineering Week (7-16 March 2008):

• An essential feature is that it takes science to the public rather than waiting for the public to find science. It draws many scientists into the public domain to discuss their work with interested audiences. During the week, events are organised throughout the UK by a large and varied range of organisations and individuals including hospitals, schools, industry and museums, with venues ranging from shopping centres to pubs and churches.
• National Science and Engineering Week is coordinated by the BA in partnership with the Engineering and Technology Board (ETB), and funded by the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS).
• National Science and Engineering Week is aimed at everyone from children and adults to decision-makers and investors and is intended to:

- engage and inspire people of all ages with science and technology and their implications,
- promote discussion and understanding of what science, engineering and technology can and cannot achieve,
- promote knowledge of the scientific method, i.e. how scientists go about their work and reach their conclusions,
- promote science, engineering and technology studies beyond the age of 16, and science, engineering and technology as career options.

• 2007 Vital Statistics:

- over 3,000 events; from hands-on activities to discussions, tours and online activities
- over 760,000 participants at events

• For more information, including an online programme of events, visit www.the-ba.net/nsew.

3. A Guide to the survey and the full report is available from RCUK

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