“Last year, DIUS launched a consultation on science and society in the UK to canvas views on how we should develop our skills base, improve science communications and build public confidence in science.
The consultation process confirmed the main challenges we face: making sure that science education in schools is exciting, demanding and of a high quality; recognising and rewarding people who undertake public engagement on science; improving equality and diversity within the scientific workforce; and increasing public confidence in science, research and their application.
The consultation also raised some different issues. It revealed, for example, that our understanding of what activities work best is simply not good enough.
A significant outcome from the consultation is that respondents want us – Government – to take a more active role in coordinating science and society activity in the UK.
Five independent expert groups will take forward the key areas which emerged from the consultation, including establishing better evaluation methods and data sharing.
What we need now is action – building better links between scientists, media, industry, educationalists and policy makers in the service of UK society.
I will do whatever I can to help.”
Lord Drayson
Minister of State for Science and Innovation