UK Government Calls for Public Debate on Science

Patricia Hewitt,the UK Trade and Industry Secretary, has called for greater public engagement and dialogue on science to help retain the UK's attractiveness in this field when a new survey, called "Science in Society", carried out by MORI, has shown that only 40 per cent of UK adults consider themselves well-informed about science.

"The report, which examined public attitudes to science and scientists, found that over 80% of adults think science makes a good contribution to society and that science will make our lives easier. More than half (56%) of UK adults have taken part in a science-based activity in the last year, outside work.

There has been an increase in the level of trust in scientists in recent years. MORI research for the BMA shows an increase in trust in scientists to tell the truth, from 63% to 70% over the last five years (1).

Only four in ten people feel informed about science. Eight out of ten are supportive of public consultation, and the public is keen for consultation to be followed by action on the outcomes."

The report marks the start of the national science week organised by the British Association for the Advancement of Science. Helen Haste, the association's chair, welcomed Ms Hewitt's comments, explaining that the Association is working towards a culture of openness in which scientists talk about stem cell therapy, nanotechnology or animal cloning in public forums.

Read on full report at mori.com