This update focuses on a selection of new work taken forward since the group’s report was published in March 2010, and is grouped by the broad aspirational aims which the group put forward.
Other work explored by Science For All, for example the development of the Public Engagement Concordat and ongoing work by NCCPE on ethical resources for those undertaking public engagement, will equally address some of those aims.
Aim: Members of society are equipped to make well-informed judgements about the sciences, the way they are produced, and the way they are used.
The Science and Trust group has been working with the Royal Society of Arts to scope a programme of activity in this area.
Aim: Expert advice to Government should identify and characterise uncertainties; policy makers should communicate clearly actions that take account of inevitable uncertainties; efforts should be made to support public judgements about risks and uncertainties.
BIS and HSE commissioned research programme to develop practical guidance that will help Government consider the appropriate response and responsibility for public risks.
Aim: Scientific evidence (and research evidence more widely) is effectively incorporated into policy making, independent scientific advice is respected by all, and there is a commitment to openness and availability of data.
BIS has restated its commitment to the Sciencewise Expert Resource Centre for Public Dialogue to ensure that public perception is taken into account during policy development process, and to build further capacity for public dialogue within Government Departments, agencies and non-departmental public bodies across the UK.
BIS and GO-Science published their Principles of Scientific Advice, and should ensure that both scientific and non-scientific staff involved in policy making are equally aware of them.
Aim: Assess the issues affecting business’ use of science, and seek to develop a plan to improve perception and practice. Create structures to promote the transparent use of science within business and industry.
As part of Public Attitudes to Science 2011, BIS have held facilitated discussions and broader survey to establish scope of the “problem” relating to business use of science.
Aim: Ethical behaviour is encouraged at all stages of exposure to science (from school through to careers) and the public has a greater appreciation of the ethical context in which scientists work, and in which science is used, produced and applied. Good ethical practice is effectively supported.
UKRIO have been assessing the availability of ethics courses in their regular survey of universities on research conduct issues and will continue to work with universities to address training provision in ethics, and monitoring of training needs.
Aim: Evaluation is recognised as a key part of the science and society landscape, and scientists, technologists and engineers work closely with social scientists and other research professionals to build on and lead good practice in evaluation methods. Resources, methods and learning are shared.
The Science and Trust Group have held three workshops to explore development of a community of interest around evaluation. A Huddle group has been established, and next steps are being assessed.
BIS supported RCUK and NCCPE to update and disseminate the RCUK “Science in Society Evaluation Guide for Project/Programme Managers”.
The British Science Association has introduced its “Collective Memory Database” to more effectively share lessons from evaluations.
Aim: Public confidence is measured on an ongoing basis, as part of wider work to understand public attitudes to science.
BIS published Public Attitudes to Science 2011 in May 2011 and has begun work to develop a deeper understanding of underlying trends within the BIS-funded series.
