Science in Society: an OST perspective

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Science in Society an OST perspective

• Dr Barbara Knowles
• Head of Public Engagement with Science
• and Technology

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Governments interests

• Benefits of major investment in research will
• only be realised if we continue to improve
• Science education
• Supply of scientists and engineers
• Knowledge transfer and innovation
• Science governance and advisory system
• Public awareness/engagement/dialogue
• Diversity in science and its governance

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Effective dialogue

• In general the UK public is very supportive of
  scientific research and recognises the benefits
  that it brings to the economy, healthcare and
  society. But we need today, in a period of rapid
  scientific advances, a more effective dialogue
  between scientists and the public.
• Lord Sainsbury, Minister for Science and
  Innovation

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OSTs PEST programme

• Aim to improve mutual understanding between
• science, policy makers and the public
• 1.5m programme budget
• Directed and reactive grants and projects
• Core support for BA, ECSITE-UK and AlphaGalileo
• Small grants through Copus grant scheme

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Purpose of BA study

• To advise OST how to assess
• Whats going on across the UK?
• How effective is it?
• To advise OST
• How to promote collaboration and best practice?
• How could OST govern its own programme?

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Proposed actions include

• Snapshot survey and pilot database
• National public surveys
• Needs analysis
• Evaluation
• Media summary
• Annual conference
• Consolidated grant scheme
• Ad hoc advisory group
• www.ost.gov.uk

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Proposed funding priorities

• Science in society
• Widening participation
• Collaboration and networking
• Good practice in science communication
• Science in the media