Science and Society: Meeting the challenges of the next century

Denham delivers key note speech on the importance of science to Britain's future

16 January 2008

If we are to meet the challenges of the next century it is essential that we improve public engagement in science and increase the influence of scientific evidence on public policy, John Denham argued today.

In a speech to the RSA (Royal Society for Encouragement of the Arts, Commerce and Manufacturers) the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills said the importance of scientific dialogue across all sections of society has never been greater.

Mr Denham confirmed his department's vision of a country that is 'excited about science, values its importance to our economic and social well being, feels confident in its use and supports a representative, well-qualified scientific workforce'.

In particular Mr Denham argued that there were two important elements to meeting that vision. Firstly, more importance has to be given to scientific understanding by, and engagement with, the public and secondly, scientific evidence needed to have greater influence on policy making.

In the speech John Denham said:

If policy makers do not have access to world class scientific evidence and advice, we will not be able to make the best decisions about the tough challenges facing the country. If the public do not have the capacity to understand scientific evidence and risk, they face being unable to make the best decisions for themselves and their families or, in a democracy, put the most appropriate pressure on politicians.

'Science and society' used to be an area which was seen as a niche part of science communication. Today, we have no choice but to see it as a necessary condition for British and global success.

Mr Denham said it was his aim to embed scientific advice in all policy making, and was keen to support the UK's scientific community so that it can expand its advisory role within Government. He pledged to consider how the current funding systems could better support this work.

Mr Denham said:

The Government spends almost £6 billion on some of the best research in the world, but it can still be quite difficult for decision makers to access valuable scientific evidence and obtain advice that is based on the best research but which is tailored to address the public policy choices facing decision-makers.

My concern is there may be disincentives in the system that emphasise published and peer-reviewed work over public policy advice. The work that some scientists and academic departments do to support policy makers can be undervalued.

The Research and Assessment Exercise is currently being reviewed by HEFCE and as part of this I feel we need to have a discussion on whether there is more to ensure that this essential work is properly recognised.

To my mind a scientist who produces fewer papers but produces excellent evidence and advice in the national interest on behalf of Government should not feel that they disadvantage themselves, their research colleagues or their institution when research funds are distributed?.

The Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills launched a debate in November 2007 on how the Government should refresh its approach to science and society. The aim is to establish the Government's role and the focus of its activities with a view to developing a strategy that combines the efforts of all in the scientific community.

Commenting on the speech Professor Lord Robert Winston, Professor of Science and Society at Imperial College London, said:

When I first tried to engage society with my work as a young researcher, colleagues often saw this as irrelevant and 'not real science'. So often, science was the preserve of boffins working behind closed doors. But we now recognise that public engagement with science is vital if we are to make progress as a society, and reaching out to the public and responding to public concerns is a vital part of our citizenship as scientists.

So the Secretary of State's speech today is extremely welcome. I share John's vision of a country that truly values science and his call for more to be done to bridge the gap between science and society is very important.

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Notes to Editors