The Sciencewise-ERC provides guidance to public servants and MPs on how to engage in dialogue with the public to find out their views, aspirations and concerns around new and often controversial issues involving science and technology. The aim is to gain people’s opinions and insights to help develop better Government policies that take into account the views of everyone and so are less likely to lead to conflict.

Public dialogue brings together people from different backgrounds to discuss the issues with scientists, experts, businesses and policy makers themselves. The Sciencewise-ERC supports policy makers to do this by providing information, advice and guidance and by funding public dialogue projects on issues involving science and technology, including topics such as:

• Stratified  medicine -  identifying the right therapy for the right patient at the right time
• Bioenergy research – developing cleaner, ‘greener’ energy alternatives that reduce our reliance on dwindling supplies of the Earth’s natural oil and gas reserves
• Low carbon communities - helping people reduce pollution by adopting more environmentally-friendly lifestyles.

For more information on the full range of dialogue projects supported by the Sciencewise-ERC and how you can contribute to better future policy making, please visit: www.sciencewise-erc.org.uk