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.
The vision
The Government is committed to creating a society that is excited about science and values its importance to our social and economic well-being; feels confident in its use; and supports a representative, well-qualified workforce.
This vision encapsulates our long-term ambitions and we believe it directly addresses the science and society challenges facing us today. It was developed with a broad range of stakeholders and was the basis for a consultation launched by DIUS on 18 July 2008 on developing a new Science and Society strategy for the UK.
The consultation
The consultation document sets out a proposed vision for Science and Society and poses some key questions and challenges facing the public, science and policy communities, including education, media and business.
We encouraged all organisations within the broad science and society community to play an active part in this consultation, and host events and provide other opportunities for their contacts to input to the development of the strategy.
We also invited all sectors of society, science and policy to consider the questions posed, tell us how they are already addressing the key challenges, and propose ways of achieving the vision.
If you are interested in a fuller analysis of responses please see the dedicated interactive hub.
