The Science and Trust Expert Group will develop an Action Plan, in discussion with Government and other stakeholders in response to the Science and Society consultation to:
- develop new mechanisms to increase public trust in science and engineering
- review the impact of the existing ethical code of practice and whether it meets the needs of science and society;
- improve partnership working, facilitating the movement of knowledge and people across the different sectors in order to maximise the benefits and impacts of science and society activities
- pursue a more coherent evaluation model of the impacts of science and society initiatives
The frontiers of social and economic progress depend on science but they also depend on the boundaries placed on science by society. The DIUS/RCUK Public Attitudes to Science Survey 2008 explored public perceptions of trust in scientists and engineers and confidence in the regulatory infrastructure. Overall, confidence in regulation has increased since 2005, although knowledge of how science and engineering is regulated is generally poor. Trust in scientists and engineers is closely linked to the institutions with which they are affiliated. Over 85% agreed that those who regulate science need to communicate with the public and the research suggests that provision of information about the regulatory system should be a priority.
Coupled with this is the demand for more consultation with the public on scientific issues. There is therefore a clear role for Government and business, their scientists, engineers and policy makers to do more to communicate with society in a transparent way the process of research and scientific development, including regulation, the ethical practices which underpin their work, and the value of such work in society. The challenge is to establish an open, reasoned discussion, and debate the necessary balance and the effectiveness of the regulations and restrictions that society imposes as a result.