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Government takes action to bust myth of 'elitist' science - Amended
Lord Drayson launches fresh drive to boost public engagement in science and help build the Britain of the future.
A campaign to create a more science literate society, highlighting the science and technology based industries of the future has been launched today.
Backed by Government, the science community and celebrities, Science [So What? So Everything] aims to show people how science benefits them in their everyday lives, is crucial in strengthening the UK economy and is vital to meeting some of the major challenges of our time.
Science Minister Lord Drayson said:
"Britain is a world-leader in science, second only to the United States, with many of the most important scientific discoveries and inventions having been made here. Continued success in science is vital to our future - and yet there is still the perception among many of our people that science is too clever for them or elitist in some way.
"We must challenge myths like these if we are to build a prosperous, science-literate society, able to tackle the difficult issues that modern science presents and work them through to create the jobs and growth of the future.
"Science is going to be an important tool for getting us out of this downturn. We all need to be aware of the impact of science on our lives. We also need more trained scientists and engineers to help build the Britain of the future in key areas such as earth and life sciences.
"My job is to make sure these messages are understood."
The campaign builds on work started by the Government's Science and Society Consultation in 2008 and picks up on themes provided in responses to it, a summary of which is published today.
They include calls for greater communication on the benefits of science from scientists, business and Government to create a scientifically aware society that understands its value and is able to debate scientific developments. Other suggested action includes the creation of a 'British Science' brand and demystifying science by showing its importance and relevance to everyone. Science [So What? So Everything] aims to achieve both of these things.
It is launched as a new poll shows a high proportion of people have faith in science to make positive changes in the future. Of those polled, 48% said they expected science to find a cure for cancer in the next 30 years with 38% expecting crops that can survive drought becoming a reality over the same period.
Asked what would have the most impact in shaping their futures, 26% said science, putting it ahead of politics, family and religion.
However, the sample poll showed that, when asked to choose from a selection which group of people has the most effect on our daily lives, only 3% selected scientists*.
Today's launch kicks off with a debate between Cabinet Ministers, celebrities and high profile figures with an interest in science including author Terry Pratchett, businessman James Caan, scientist and presenter Kathy Sykes and actor and comedian Ben Miller. The debate will explore ways in which science can be taken to a wider audience to promote public engagement and understanding.
The campaign will build momentum around a series of events and milestones throughout the year including National Science and Engineering Week in March and regional science festivals.
A new website will give access to information, careers advice and events related to science while a small amount of targeted advertising will challenge and encourage people to think again about science and its role in their lives.
The campaign will show that:
* It is our science - central to everything we come into contact with and consume
* It is your science - much of the science that is conducted in the UK is funded by the tax payer or charitable donor
* It pays to invest in science - because it underpins our future prosperity and is integral to finding the solutions to the global and health challenges we face - that is why the Government will make a record investment of nearly £6 billion in science this year
* It pays to become a scientist - a science education will open up an even greater wealth of opportunities, can bring better financial rewards and will help build the Britain of the future.
Independent projections argue there could be as many as 2.9 million jobs in STEM related occupations by 2017. Science [So What? So Everything] will complement and support existing work to increase the number of people studying STEM subjects and entering related careers.
Underlining the role of science and innovation in strengthening the economy, the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills John Denham and Lord Drayson will attend a specially organised Building the Britain of the Future Expo.
They will discuss with young entrepreneurs and business leaders in growth areas the key role science and innovation will play in building tomorrow's Britain - particularly in the current downturn.
Secretary of State John Denham said:
"Our ability as a nation to innovate and build links between good science and business will help ensure we will emerge stronger when the upturn comes.
"We need to seize the opportunities that future discoveries will inevitably bring by working together to continue our investment in talent, research and innovation.
"Driving up the number of people who have the skills in science, technology, engineering and maths required by emerging and growth industries will help ensure the UK remains strong in an increasingly competitive global economy and win the jobs of tomorrow."
Notes to editors:
1. The Science [So What? So Everything] website is at http://www.direct.gov.uk/sciencesowhat and goes live on Wednesday 28 January.
2. The campaign has been designed and supported by DIUS working in partnership with the seven UK Research Councils, the Technology Strategy Board the Royal Society, British Academy, Royal Academy of Engineering, the British Science Association, the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) and the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF).
3. Science [So What? So Everything] is aimed at people of all ages but supports and compliments work funded by DCSF such as the websites http://www.futuremorph.org and http://www.scienceandmaths.net designed as a resource for young people and schools to show just some of the amazing and unexpected careers that studying science, technology, engineering and maths can lead to.
4. The Government's Science and Society Consultation can be found at: http://interactive.dius.gov.uk/scienceandsociety/site/. For an embargoed copy of the summary of responses contact the DIUS press office.
5. Although public confidence in science is growing, more than half of respondents to last year's Public Attitudes to Science Survey thought that science was too specialist for most people to understand with a high proportion excluding themselves for not being 'clever enough to understand it'. The Public Attitudes to Science Survey 2008 can be found at: http://www.dius.gov.uk/policy/science_society/public_attitudes.html
6. A recent poll of young people conducted by the Science Council revealed only slightly more than a quarter of 16-18 year olds see sciences as relevant to their lives with many unaware of the diverse range of careers that science can give them access to. This is despite independent projections in Working Futures 2007- 2017 arguing there could be as many as 2.9 million jobs in STEM related occupations by 2017. http://www.ukces.org.uk/Default.aspx?page=4685
7. The celebrity debate at No.10 takes place from 08.30-09.30 on Wednesday 28 January facilitated by writer and broadcaster Vivienne Parry. Terry Pratchett and Ben Miller are available for broadcast interviews after the event. To arrange, please contact Lauren Hamburger at Geronimo Communications on 020 7612 8800. To interview Lord Drayson or Vivienne Parry ahead of the event or throughout the day contact Rhys Stacker at the DIUS Press Office on 020 3300 8105.
8. The Expo is being held in Central London from 5-7pm on Wednesday 28 January. It will focus on six key strategic sectors that will have a crucial role to play in building the Britain of tomorrow: clean technology; advanced manufacturing; healthcare and biotech; high value-add inc. ICT; creative industries; and education. Media who want more details or wish to attend the event or request an interview with John Denham or Lord Drayson, should call Matt Barker in the DIUS Press Office on 020 3300 8126.
9. The poll results (figures of 48%, 38%, 26% and 3%) are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 2,100 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between January 14 and 16, 2009. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+). YouGov is registered with the Information Commissioner. YouGov is a member of the British Polling Council.
*Respondents were asked "Which ONE of the following groups of people do you think typically has the most influence on our daily lives?" The answers were as follows:
Scientists 3% Politicians 40% Financiers 29%
Sportspeople 1% Celebrities 7% None of these 13%
Don't know 8%
10. For more information on the campaign or to request interviews, footage and stills from any of the events above contact the DIUS Press Office on 020 3300 8105.
