Science Minister
David Willetts has underlined his commitment to engage the public
with science, after a survey published today showed that whilst
there is an increasing appreciation for science, people feel less
informed about it.
The Public Attitudes to Science 2011 survey finds that
82 per cent of people agree that “science is such a big part of
our lives that we should all take an interest” and 86 per cent say
they are amazed by the achievements of science. These proportions
have been steadily increasing since 2000. Participants were
similarly positive about the potential impact of science on
economic growth.
However, 51 per cent of people feel they see and hear too little
information about science, compared with 34 per cent in 2008.
Similarly, 56 per cent do not feel well informed about scientific
research and developments, compared with 43 per cent three years
ago. Two-thirds of people also agree that scientists should listen
more to what ordinary people think.
Minister for Universities and Science David Willetts said:
“Science, technology, engineering and maths are vital to economic
growth. It’s encouraging that people are increasingly interested
in research and new developments. However, more disappointingly,
at the same time they feel less informed. People want more
information and to engage with these subjects in a way that’s
relevant to them. That’s a very clear message which Government has
an important role in responding to.
“That’s why we have a £13 million commitment in the science
budget this year alone for outreach in schools and public
engagement. This will support flagship schemes such as the
Sciencewise Expert Resource Centre, which gives the public
opportunities to get involved in shaping future science and
technology policy. We have also committed to renewing the £6.3m
support for STEMNET, an organisation that helps young people
understand the amazing range of careers that can come from
studying these subjects.”
Sir Paul Nurse, President of the Royal Society, said:
“The public’s positive attitude towards science is welcome and
reassuring. At a time when the public finances are being squeezed
it is important that people see science is a good investment for
the future.
“The fact that people want to know more about what scientists are
doing presents a big challenge for us. Scientists have not always
put enough emphasis on having conversations about their work with
the general public. Keeping science behind closed doors is not an
option and talking at people is not good enough either. Where
issues are controversial we have to find out what it is that
bothers people and address those concerns. The survey shows that
people recognise that scientists want to make people’s lives
better, we perhaps sometimes need to listen more and to be better
at explaining what we are trying to do and what the benefits and
risks will be.”
Paul Jackson, Chief Executive of EngineeringUK, said:
“The Public Attitudes to Science report 2011 provides useful
insight for organisations like EngineeringUK. While it’s
encouraging to learn about growing public interest in science,
it’s also worrying to note the outdated, stereotypical views about
what a scientist is and that future potential scientists and
engineers (those aged 16-24) are less informed about science and
see STEM careers less positively. This is something that
EngineeringUK, working with colleagues across the science and
engineering communities, must address to ensure the future supply
of scientists and engineers who are so important to our economic growth.”
Research Councils UK said:
“Research is vital for the future prosperity and wellbeing of the
UK. Engaging the public with research helps empower people,
broadens attitudes and ensures that the work of universities and
research institutes is relevant to society and wider social
concerns.
“RCUK is committed to working with researchers to encourage them
to engage the public with their work. Along with the other UK
funders of research, RCUK has underlined this commitment by
putting in place the Concordat for Engaging the Public with
Research. The Concordat aims to create a greater focus on and
help embed public engagement with research across all disciplines
in the higher education and research sectors. By establishing an
ongoing dialogue between the research community and the public,
society can benefit more fully from the outputs of research.”
As well as supporting key national programmes such as Sciencewise
Expert Resource Centre and STEMNET, the Government will also
celebrate young people’s achievements in science and engineering
by continuing to support the National Science and Engineering
Competition. This will leverage significant further investment
from science institutions and businesses.
Notes to editors
Public Attitudes to Science Survey 2011 was commissioned by the
Department for Business, Innovation and Skills. The survey is
carried out every three years and this is the fourth in the
series. For the 2011 survey, Ipsos MORI interviewed 2104 UK adults
aged 16+ between 11 October and 19 December 2010. The full survey
can be found at www.ipsos-mori.com/pas2011.
The STEM Ambassadors programme has created a unique nationwide
network of over 27,000 volunteers from relevant companies and
academia. It run by STEMNET, a UK-wide organisation that works
with schools across the UK and help young people understand the
excitement and importance of science, technology, engineering and
mathematics in their lives, and the career opportunities to which
these subjects can lead. For more information about the STEM
Ambassadors visit www.stemnet.org.uk.
The Sciencewise Expert Resource Centre provides advice,
resources and support to Government Departments, agencies and
other public sector bodies to understand public views on policies
and decision making involving science and technology. In
particular, Sciencewise provides funding support to conduct a wide
range of public dialogue projects. More information can be found
at www.sciencewise-erc.org.uk.
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