The Royal Society (through the
Science in Society programme),
Research Councils UK and the
Wellcome Trust funded a study to examine the factors affecting science communication by scientists and will provide evidence to support the development of strategies to encourage scientists and engineers to communicate with stakeholders including the public, policy makers and media.
Download the report
Aims
The findings will provide an understanding of:
- the relative importance of science communication to UK researchers;
- the amount and type of science communication activities undertaken by UK researchers;
- factors that may facilitate or inhibit science communication;
- the extent to which researchers may wish to undertake further science communication;
- the views of funders, senior academics, social scientists and other relevant groups on factors affecting research scientists engaging in science communication activities; and
- how universities, other research institutions and funders can promote effective science communication.
The study was overseen by a consultative group chaired by Sir David Wallace FRS, and comprised of senior representatives from organisations including the Royal Society, Research Councils UK, the Wellcome Trust, the Higher Education Funding Council, Universities UK, the British Association for the Advancement of Science, the Academy of Social Sciences and the British Academy
Evidence
The study comprised a web-based survey and telephone interviews undertaken on behalf of the funders by People Science & Policy.
Three reports were produced:
In addition, the raw data is available. This consists of the data tables and SPSS file.
Final report
The key findings from the survey and interviews and the conclusions and recommendations of the Consulative Group are outlined in the report of the study, launched on 29 June 2006.
Final report (Adobe PDF File)
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