Science (Public Awareness) (Hansard, 29 March 1993)

§ Mr. Robert Jackson

Research councils contribute to developing public awareness of science in a number of ways. These include publications, press briefings,, displays and conferences publicising and explaining the councils' work; participation in the annual meeting of the British Association for the Advancement of Science; institute open days; links with schools; and research into public attitudes to science.

Specific council activities in the past two years have included: Science and Engineering Research Council (SERC) Research Horizons"—a new type of conference, held for the first time in 1992, aimed at encouraging young scientists to present their work to the media and the public A video presenting the Council's work, winner of two top awards. Medical Research Council (MRC) Training of scientists in communication techniques. Involvement in planning Science Museum exhibitions. Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) Extensive press and media contacts leading to feature articles, for example on biodiversity and mid-ocean ridges. Involvement of local schools in project work at NERC institutes. Agricultural and Food Research Council (AFRC) Exhibitions at the Royal Agricultural Show, the Royal Welsh Show, and the ASDA Festival of Food and Farming, Hyde Park. An annual schools competition, and a survey of pupil attitudes to biotechnology and genetic engineering. Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) Completion in 1991 of a major research programme on the public understanding of science and dissemination of the results, including a conference at the Science Museum. The "Innovation Agenda"—a recent publicity campaign to highlight the role of science and technology in economic competitiveness.

The Government attach great importance to the development of public awareness of science and welcome the contribution of the research councils in this field.