Response to DTI call for greater engagement and debate
Embargoed until 00.01 Monday 14 March 2005
RESPONSE TO PATRICIA HEWITT’S CALL FOR GREATER ENGAGEMENT AND DEBATE ON SCIENCE
Following the call of Trade and Industry Secretary Patricia Hewitt for greater engagement and debate on science, the BA has released the following statement.
“The BA welcomes the government's call for greater public engagement and debate on science,” says Professor Helen Haste, Chair of the BA (British Association for the Advancement of Science). “These survey results show there is a real public enthusiasm for science and a desire for more opportunities for public consultation and dialogue.
“We the BA are already working towards developing a new culture of openness in which it is part of a scientist's normal professional activity to explain and discuss his or her work in public forums. Then, public discussion can take place in the full knowledge of the scientific evidence and of the values held by scientists and by the wider public.
“Successful dialogue and consultation needs a properly-funded infrastructure, so that people wherever they are have opportunities to discuss and influence policy and practice on the science-related issues that are important to them.”
“We also welcome this announcement in National Science Week, during which over 300,000 people are expected to engage in scientific activities throughout the UK.”
The BA will issue a full response to the survey when it has been made publicly available.
ENDS
For further information please contact:
Craig Brierley, Press Officer, the BA
Tel: 020 7019 4947
Email: craig.brierley@the-ba.net
Notes 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. About National Science Week
RESPONSE TO PATRICIA HEWITT’S CALL FOR GREATER ENGAGEMENT AND DEBATE ON SCIENCE
Following the call of Trade and Industry Secretary Patricia Hewitt for greater engagement and debate on science, the BA has released the following statement.
“The BA welcomes the government's call for greater public engagement and debate on science,” says Professor Helen Haste, Chair of the BA (British Association for the Advancement of Science). “These survey results show there is a real public enthusiasm for science and a desire for more opportunities for public consultation and dialogue.
“We the BA are already working towards developing a new culture of openness in which it is part of a scientist's normal professional activity to explain and discuss his or her work in public forums. Then, public discussion can take place in the full knowledge of the scientific evidence and of the values held by scientists and by the wider public.
“Successful dialogue and consultation needs a properly-funded infrastructure, so that people wherever they are have opportunities to discuss and influence policy and practice on the science-related issues that are important to them.”
“We also welcome this announcement in National Science Week, during which over 300,000 people are expected to engage in scientific activities throughout the UK.”
The BA will issue a full response to the survey when it has been made publicly available.
ENDS
For further information please contact:
Craig Brierley, Press Officer, the BA
Tel: 020 7019 4947
Email: craig.brierley@the-ba.net
Notes 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. About National Science Week
- National Science Week is coordinated by the BA (British Association for the Advancement of Science).
- National Science Week is endorsed and supported by the Government through the Department of Trade and Industry and the Office of Science and Technology.
- During the week, events are organised throughout the UK by a large and varied range of organisations and individuals including hospitals, schools, industry and museums. Venues range from shopping centres to pubs and churches.
- National Science Week is aimed at everyone from children and adults to decision-makers and investors and is intended to:
- engage and inspire people of all ages
with science and technology and their implications - promote discussion and understanding of what science, engineering and technology can and cannot achieve
- promote knowledge of the scientific
method, i.e. how scientists go about their work and reach their conclusions - promote science, engineering and
technology studies beyond the age of 16 and science, engineering and technology as career options.
- engage and inspire people of all ages
- An essential feature of National Science Week is the way it takes science to the public rather than waiting for the public to find science. The week has drawn many scientists into the public domain to discuss their work with interested audiences.
- over 1,500 events from hands-on
activities to discussions, tours to online activities - over 300,000 participants at events
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