Because the public doesn't matter or because they suck at it?

What is the reason for the following:

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Research pressure in universities is barrier to scientists communicating work to public
29 Jun 2006

A 'research driven' culture in British universities is a key barrier to scientists communicating their work with the public according to a major study published today (Thursday 29 June 2006) by the Royal Society , with the support of Research Councils UK and the Wellcome Trust.

According to the scientists surveyed for the report the pressure to publish research, attract funding to their departments and build careers on 'hard research' means public engagement work, such as debates, dialogues or exhibitions, media appearances or outreach activities with schools, is not a priority. The need to spend more time on research was the top reason, cited by 64 per cent of respondents, stopping scientists getting more engaged with science communication work.

Scientists highlighted that public engagement activities were seen by colleagues as being bad for their careers. Some said that it was seen as being done by those who were 'not good enough' for an academic career, that it was 'light' or 'fluffy' and risked reinforcing negative stereotypes for women involved in these activities.

However, in spite of this, 45 per cent of respondents said that they would like to spend more time engaging with the non-specialist public about science. 74 per cent of those surveyed reported that they have taken part in at least one science communication or public engagement activity in the past 12 months.

Sir David Wallace, vice president of the Royal Society, who chaired the study's consultative group, said: "It is encouraging that so many scientists have, despite all the perceived barriers, taken part in science communication activities. The report shows that we need to find ways to make it easier for scientists to engage in a genuine dialogue with the public so that those outside of the scientific community can better understand, support, and indeed challenge, the science that is being undertaken in our universities while, at the same time, helping scientists understand public interests and concerns. This must clearly happen in the context of allowing scientists to carry on conducting excellent research while progressing their careers. And we recognise that it is not desirable to require all scientists to undertake public engagement work.

"While the report identified that research pressures are a factor in discouraging involvement with science communication activities we should be careful not to paint an overly simplistic picture of cause and effect'. We need to see the profile of this kind of work being raised within departments so that it is seen as a more integral part of a well rounded career."

The study found that generally, younger researchers, those in departments rated 5*' by the RAE, and those in research-only appointments, undertook less public engagement activity compared with senior researchers, those in departments rated 1-5 under the RAE and those in research and teaching positions.

In general, respondents to the survey felt that their participation in science communication activities would be increased more through rewards to their departments rather than to themselves as individuals. 81 per cent of scientists said bringing more money into their departments would be a key incentive. And 56 per cent of respondents said that awards or prizes for departments were important, in contrast to 39 per cent who identified awards for individuals as being important. Additionally, 76 per cent said they would be encouraged to get more involved if it helped their careers.

The aim of the study was to provide evidence for funding organisations, universities and other research institutions on which they can base a workable system to reward scientists for their efforts to become involved with public engagement activities. It involved a web-survey of 1485 research scientists in higher education institutions and 41 more detailed interviews with a cross section of respondents and other key players within science policy and science communication such as social scientists, senior managers, funders and science communicators .

Professor Colin Blakemore, speaking on behalf of Research Councils UK, said "Spreading the word about the joys and challenges of science to the public and the media is central to what we do. This report shows that we still have to convince more scientists of the importance of speaking out about their work. Public engagement is a vital part of the research process - and this report will play a crucial role in implementing the research councils' Science in Society strategy.

"Communication is particularly important in areas of practical and ethical concern about the applications of science. With rapid advances in scientific research, all scientists have to find opportunities to increase public awareness and public involvement because we cannot take public support for granted. Public engagement takes time and effort, but it helps scientists to see their own research in a broader context as well as helping to build public confidence and trust, which are essential for scientific progress.

"Through RCUK, we're encouraging scientists to begin communication work early in their careers. Through Researchers in Residence and the Perspectives poster competition, the Research Councils are providing the extra support and encouragement that young researchers need."

Clare Matterson, Wellcome Trust Director of Medicine, Society and History comments: "The public has a clear appetite for science, and this survey shows that scientists are responding well to this by increasing the amount of time they dedicate to engage directly with the public. We seem to be going in the right direction - but we cannot be complacent. The Wellcome Trust is committed to public engagement and continues to explore new and innovative ways to support dialogue between scientists and the public to foster mutual respect, understanding and trust."

Dr Rama Thirunamachandran, Director of Research and Knowledge Transfer at the Higher Education Funding Council for England, said: This important study indicates a considerable degree of willingness by scientists to spend more time engaging with the non-specialist public given the right incentives. We are using the results of the study to inform a co-ordinated approach with the Research Councils and other funders to provide better recognition, support and reward for public engagement activities in universities and colleges. In developing this approach we will wish to ensure that all subjects and a wide range of activities including teaching and research, are represented.'

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