Research Councils UK (RCUK) has published the results of the public dialogue on energy research undertaken by Ipsos MORI for the Research Councils' Energy Programme. The project was part of ongoing moves within the Research Councils to ensure that public views are considered in the funding and conduct of research.
The dialogue identified seven key criteria which the participants valued when prioritising energy research, ranging from ethics and equality to consideration of the environment and legacy.
Professor Dave Delpy, Chief Executive of the Engineering Physical Sciences Research Council said, "The Research Councils' energy programme has in the past gathered a broad spectrum of stakeholder views when making funding decisions. Research Councils are now however extending our energy research and the inclusion of the public's views will be valuable in taking our programme forward. We also recognise the value of public dialogue in increasing public confidence in our decision-making processes".
Professor Delpy continued: "The challenge for the Research Councils is to communicate these findings to all members of our research community so that these ideas can help guide their thinking"
The findings were discussed by the Scientific Advisory Committee for the Research Councils' Energy Programme, providing a new insight into public views in this area. A member of the project's advisory group noted "it was important that we exposed ourselves and opened ourselves to scrutiny. We now know that the public does have views on this".
The independent evaluation of the project noted that public participants also believed that the process was worthwhile, relishing the opportunity to question and interact with those involved in energy research and decision making, and for some, restoring their faith in public institutions: "(It) made me feel what I had to say was important and that someone might actually care what the public thinks".
Dr Kerry Leslie, Head of the RCUK Science In Society Unit, said, "the Research Councils are committed to seeking ways to take account of the views of the public on research. It is important that, together, we look for ways to strategically add this societal perspective to the advice streams already gathered when setting research strategy and priorities, and to ensure that this takes place at all appropriate levels within our organisation. The energy dialogue programme has been a successful exercise and we will be incorporating public involvement into other major cross council programmes, where appropriate"