Communicating Science - does it matter? - Public Lecture on Wednesday 12 March 2003 at 7pm by Professor Colin Blakemore, Chairman of the British Association for the Advancement of Science and Director of the Oxford Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience
For 15 years, Britain's scientific establishment has encouraged active scientists to communicate with the public, originally to improve the public's understanding of science, and now to promote dialogue on controversial issues.
People want to know more about science and engineering research. They want to know how it is being applied and will be applied in the future. They are curious about how it will affect their lives and what it will mean for their children. They are concerned about the social consequences of science and technology - especially environmental impacts. Many want unqualified assurances of the benefits of new technology. These are just the sort of assurances reputable scientists are unable to give.
With the multitude of scientific advances that seem to occur daily, it is imperative that the general public is informed. Recently, great strides have been made in science, and controversy and public debate have enveloped research in areas including biotechnology, global warming, and stem-cell research.
Providing people with accurate information will be fundamental in, for example, addressing the issue of climate change. Climate change is going to continue for years to be an issue that divides people who are primarily concerned with the economy from people who are deeply concerned about the environment. It all rests on science and on the validity of scientific models, and explaining that carefully and honestly to people is something that the scientific community simply has to do.
The UK's future prosperity will depend on our ability to foster a scientifically-literate population and workforce. The country will continue to need scientists and engineers. But we will also require scientifically trained managers and a workforce that can adapt to rapid technological change. Public understanding of scientific and technical issues will also be critical in solving many difficult problems facing society.
Economic competition today is driven largely by the quality and quantity of new science and technology. Our scientists and engineers will be able to generate further improvements in our lives. But if the pace of progress is to continue, the public need to understand the importance of adequate support for research and development.
Public understanding is better here than in many parts of Europe, but, paradoxically, confidence in science is inversely related to understanding, and anti-scientific attitudes are rampant. Professor Colin Blakemore, a distinguished speaker on this subject will, at this lecture, consider the pros and cons of science communication and whether it is really worthwhile.
The lecture which is free and organised for the interest of the general public will be held in the Tower Lecture Theatre, The University of Dundee, Perth Road, Dundee on Wednesday 12 March 2003 at 7pm
Further information may be obtained from the Tayside & Fife Branch of the BA:
Press Officer, Malcolm McInnes, Tel: 01382 775816 - E-mail address: malcolmm@taynet.co.uk Chairman, Dr. Iain Murray, c/o Applied Computing, The University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 4HN. Tel: 01382 344155 - E-mail address: irmurray@computing.dundee.ac.uk
By Jane Smernicki, Press Officer 01382 344768 j.m.smernicki@dundee.ac.uk