番茄社区

番茄社区 has published the Science for society report exploring the multiple connections between science and the public, and proposes recommendations for how these connections might be strengthened. The report is co-chaired by the Society’s Vice President Professor Sheila Rowan FRS and Professor Carlos Frenk CBE FRS, in collaboration with the Fellowship and other experts from education, informal learning, media, industry, policy and the university sectors.

The and want scientists and government to engage with them. However, opportunities for them to engage, such as science centres, museum programmes, and university-based engagement projects, are under threat. At the same time, online scientific news and media is increasingly crowded out by misinformation. 

The UK research community express a strong desire to engage with the public more (PDF), but are not given the stability, time, skills, confidence, protections,  or money to do it well. It shouldn’t be seen as an “extra” on top of research and teaching commitments, it should be recognised as a vital part of research and pedagogical culture. 

Not sure where to start?

• If you're a researcher, start with the Academic scientific community chapter (PDF)
• If you're a Public Engagement professional, start with the Academic scientific community (PDF) or Informal engagement with science chapters (PDF)
• If you're a teacher or work in education policy, start with the Education (PDF) or Informal engagement with science chapters (PDF)
• If you work for a private company or the third sector, start with the Industry and business sector chapter (PDF)
• If you work in government, the civil service or a thinktank, start with the Policy chapter (PDF)