Science and Society
The potential for science to contribute to good policy-making and sound government has probably never been greater. To ensure we make the right decisions, now and in the future, we believe there is a pressing need to strengthen the level of high-quality engagement with the public on all major science issues; and increase the number of people who choose to study scientific subjects and work in research and scientific careers.
What do we mean by 'Science'?
By 'science' we mean all-encompassing knowledge based on scholarship and research undertaken in the physical, biological, engineering, medical, natural and social disciplines, including the arts and humanities, which is underpinned by methodologies that build up and test understanding about our world and beyond.
What do we mean by 'Science and Society'?
We include engagement with society in its broadest sense, from science centres and festivals, through information provision by consultation, active dialogue and other media, to enabling citizen empowerment and decision-making. We include the use of science by society and the provision of scientific advice to policy makers for the benefit of society. We include the range of science skills opportunities, through the education system and beyond, and the importance of diversity in enabling a workforce truly representative of the society which it serves.
The challenge
Science improves the quality of daily life and underpins economic prosperity. Science will help us to address the main challenges we face as a nation and as a planet:
- tackling and adapting to climate change;
- global security and international terrorism;
- rising populations and the consequent pressure on food, water and other natural resources; and
- the impact of human diseases such as pandemic influenza, and animal diseases such as foot and mouth and blue tongue.
The potential for science to contribute to good policy-making and sound government has probably never been greater. To ensure we make the right decisions, now and in the future, we believe there is a pressing need to:
- strengthen the level of high-quality engagement with the public on all major science issues; and
- increase the number of people who choose to study scientific subjects and work in research and scientific careers.
Much valuable work has already been done in this area but we believe there is a need for a more mature relationship between science, policy, business, education, media and the public, with each group working to better understand the needs, concerns, aspirations and ways of working of the others. And that’s where the UK’s Science and Society Strategy comes in.
