The public understanding of science

01 January 1985

In 1985, the Council of the Royal Society endorsed the publication of a report by Sir Walter Bodmer FRS on "The public understanding of science". The report paved the way for an expansion of science communication, the popularisation of science in culture and media and greater links between science and society.

2026 report

In 2026, the Royal Society will revisit the themes of the original "Bodmer report" to explore how the landscape has changed, and how we might build a more trustworthy, innovative and equitable science system in its Science for society report.

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