Science must be open to the public, argues BA President at launch of National Science Week
Embargoed until 12:00 Thursday 10 March 2005
National Science Week 2005 (11-20 March) is here, bringing over a thousand events the length and breadth of the UK. During the week, there will be controversy, explosions, laughter, debate, experiments and cups of tea. Most importantly, it is a time when science opens its doors to the public.
Professor Robert Winston, President of the BA (British Association for the Advancement of Science), which co-ordinates National Science Week, says: “New technologies often hold great threat or great promise. As they emerge, scientists must engage in genuine dialogue with the public. Then all of our society can discuss its hopes, priorities and concerns in an informed manner and scientific developments can be used for the widest possible benefit.
“However, if the public are to engage with scientists, science must be open to the public. National Science Week is so important because it makes science accessible and draws scientists into the public domain to discuss their work.”
SHOULD THE PUBLIC HAVE ITS SAY ON SCIENCE?
There will be plenty to talk about during National Science Week, from whether we are messing with nature to whether it is right to screen immigrants for disease. One debate in particular, “Science and Democracy”, takes place at the ICA, London, on 14 September. Speaking at the event will be James Wilsdon, Director of Strategy at Demos, and Lord Taverne, Chairman of Sense about Science.
“Those who demand more public involvement argue that the public must know who owns and controls a technology before it is developed and who will benefit,” Lord Taverne will argue. “But you cannot set social goals for scientific research because you cannot always predict results. Furthermore, in practice more public control means more control by pressure groups that have their own agenda. It means committees to ensure political correctness. That would be the enemy of innovation and of the independence of science.”
“Public engagement does not require us to invite the public to vote on scientific projects,” counters James Wilsdon. “Nor is it about inviting people to stand over the shoulder of scientists in the laboratory, telling them what they should do... The real challenge is how new forms of engagement can help to bring out ‘the public within the scientist’, by encouraging scientists themselves to engage with the wider social and ethical dimensions of their work.”
OPEN DOORS TO SCIENCE
The Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University College London, is just one of a number of places opening its doors to the public, with an event about life in a cancer research laboratory.
“The Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research is committed to improving the understanding and control of cancer, and because our scientific investigations could one day impact on the lives of many people, it is important for us to be open and honest about the work we do,” says Sarah Barnsley, Scientific Administrator at the Institute. “The Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research believes its scientists have a responsibility to talk about and share our achievements with those that could one day benefit from our research.”
IT AIN’T OVER TILL THE FAT LADY THINS
Once again, the Ig Nobels return to the UK for the Ig Nobels Tour 2005. The Ig Nobels reward science that makes you laugh (and then, hopefully, makes you think). This year’s show will see the UK debut of the much-anticipated Atkins Diet Opera, a suitably trim mini-opera written by Marc Abrahams, the brains behind the Ig Nobels. Marc has also launched Project Cuppa, a search to find scientists’ rituals for making the perfect cuppa.
NATIONAL SCIENCE WEEK LAUNCH SPONSORS
The National Science Week launch is sponsored by Agilent Technologies, the UK’s largest test and measurement company. Speaking about their involvement, Tom White, UK Manager of Agilent Technologies says: “As a company involved in scientific innovation, we believe that fostering greater interest in and understanding of science in the UK is of the greatest importance to Britain’s continued economic growth. We are delighted to sponsor the launch of National Science Week 2005.”
ENDS
For further information please contact:
Craig Brierley, Press Officer, the BA
Tel: 020 7019 4947
Email: craig.brierley@the-ba.net
Note for editors
1. The BA (British Association for the Advancement of Science) is the UK's nationwide, open membership organisation dedicated to connecting science with people, so that science and its applications become accessible to all. The BA aims to promote openness about science in society and to engage and inspire people directly with science and technology and their implications. Established in 1831, the BA organises major initiatives across the UK, including the annual BA Festival of Science, National Science Week, programmes of regional and local events, and an extensive programme for young people in schools and colleges. For more information about the BA, please visit www.the-ba.net.
2. Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) is a global technology leader in communications, electronics, life sciences and chemical analysis. The company’s 28,000 employees serve customers in more than 110 countries. Agilent had net revenue of $7.2 billion in fiscal year 2004. Information about Agilent is available on the Web at www.agilent.com.
National Science Week 2005 (11-20 March) is here, bringing over a thousand events the length and breadth of the UK. During the week, there will be controversy, explosions, laughter, debate, experiments and cups of tea. Most importantly, it is a time when science opens its doors to the public.
Professor Robert Winston, President of the BA (British Association for the Advancement of Science), which co-ordinates National Science Week, says: “New technologies often hold great threat or great promise. As they emerge, scientists must engage in genuine dialogue with the public. Then all of our society can discuss its hopes, priorities and concerns in an informed manner and scientific developments can be used for the widest possible benefit.
“However, if the public are to engage with scientists, science must be open to the public. National Science Week is so important because it makes science accessible and draws scientists into the public domain to discuss their work.”
SHOULD THE PUBLIC HAVE ITS SAY ON SCIENCE?
There will be plenty to talk about during National Science Week, from whether we are messing with nature to whether it is right to screen immigrants for disease. One debate in particular, “Science and Democracy”, takes place at the ICA, London, on 14 September. Speaking at the event will be James Wilsdon, Director of Strategy at Demos, and Lord Taverne, Chairman of Sense about Science.
“Those who demand more public involvement argue that the public must know who owns and controls a technology before it is developed and who will benefit,” Lord Taverne will argue. “But you cannot set social goals for scientific research because you cannot always predict results. Furthermore, in practice more public control means more control by pressure groups that have their own agenda. It means committees to ensure political correctness. That would be the enemy of innovation and of the independence of science.”
“Public engagement does not require us to invite the public to vote on scientific projects,” counters James Wilsdon. “Nor is it about inviting people to stand over the shoulder of scientists in the laboratory, telling them what they should do... The real challenge is how new forms of engagement can help to bring out ‘the public within the scientist’, by encouraging scientists themselves to engage with the wider social and ethical dimensions of their work.”
OPEN DOORS TO SCIENCE
The Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University College London, is just one of a number of places opening its doors to the public, with an event about life in a cancer research laboratory.
“The Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research is committed to improving the understanding and control of cancer, and because our scientific investigations could one day impact on the lives of many people, it is important for us to be open and honest about the work we do,” says Sarah Barnsley, Scientific Administrator at the Institute. “The Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research believes its scientists have a responsibility to talk about and share our achievements with those that could one day benefit from our research.”
IT AIN’T OVER TILL THE FAT LADY THINS
Once again, the Ig Nobels return to the UK for the Ig Nobels Tour 2005. The Ig Nobels reward science that makes you laugh (and then, hopefully, makes you think). This year’s show will see the UK debut of the much-anticipated Atkins Diet Opera, a suitably trim mini-opera written by Marc Abrahams, the brains behind the Ig Nobels. Marc has also launched Project Cuppa, a search to find scientists’ rituals for making the perfect cuppa.
NATIONAL SCIENCE WEEK LAUNCH SPONSORS
The National Science Week launch is sponsored by Agilent Technologies, the UK’s largest test and measurement company. Speaking about their involvement, Tom White, UK Manager of Agilent Technologies says: “As a company involved in scientific innovation, we believe that fostering greater interest in and understanding of science in the UK is of the greatest importance to Britain’s continued economic growth. We are delighted to sponsor the launch of National Science Week 2005.”
ENDS
For further information please contact:
Craig Brierley, Press Officer, the BA
Tel: 020 7019 4947
Email: craig.brierley@the-ba.net
Note for editors
1. The BA (British Association for the Advancement of Science) is the UK's nationwide, open membership organisation dedicated to connecting science with people, so that science and its applications become accessible to all. The BA aims to promote openness about science in society and to engage and inspire people directly with science and technology and their implications. Established in 1831, the BA organises major initiatives across the UK, including the annual BA Festival of Science, National Science Week, programmes of regional and local events, and an extensive programme for young people in schools and colleges. For more information about the BA, please visit www.the-ba.net.
2. Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) is a global technology leader in communications, electronics, life sciences and chemical analysis. The company’s 28,000 employees serve customers in more than 110 countries. Agilent had net revenue of $7.2 billion in fiscal year 2004. Information about Agilent is available on the Web at www.agilent.com.
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