Science & society

Summary

Scientific innovation is essential for growth, but it does can also give rise to fear and scepticism in society in the way that has been witnessed in the ongoing debates surrounding biotechnology and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). 

A Eurobarometer survey of October 2001 showed that scientific advances are being credited for combating diseases and improving daily life. However, although 45 per cent of citizens stated that they were interested in science and technology, they generally feel poorly informed. Moreover, compared to survey results obtained in 1992, there is no majority for the belief that the benefits of science are greater than its harmful effects; the overall view of the results of science has thus deteriorated.

In order to bridge the existing gap between the scientific community and EU citizens, the Commission on 4 December 2001 adopted an Action Plan on the theme of Science and Society. The plan is part of the Commission's efforts to create a true European Research Area, and it supports activities fostering dialogue between policy-makers, researchers and citizens.

Within the Sixth Framework programme (FP6), 0.3 per cent of the budget is allocated to the area of science and society. This is the first time that the research framework programme allocates funds to 'science & society'. The budget allocated to the structuring activity 'Science and society' for the duration of FP6 is EUR 80 million. 

Issues

Issues surrounding the relationship between science and society touch upon a wide range of areas, such as political decision-making and scientific advice; public perceptions of risk; ethics; awareness of science and technology; the image of science and scientific careers in society; and role of women in science. To achieve a more harmonious relationship between the scientific endeavour and European society at large, the Science and Society Action Plan proposes initiatives in three areas: 

• Promoting scientific education and culture in Europe: To make citizens feel more comfortable with science and technology, science and technology need to be given a higher profile in the media and education;
• Bringing science policy closer to the citizens: Scientific and technological activities need to be centred around the needs and aspiration of the EU's citizens;
• Putting responsible science at the heart of policy-making: Political decisions must me supported by transparent and responsible opinions based on ethical research.  

The Commission's proposal for Seventh Framework programme (FP7) sets 'Science in society' as a cross-cutting issue of FP7's specific programmes. This activity also represents a significant expansion of the work undertaken in the FP6. 

The Commission plans to:

• help civil society groups to 'outsource' research to universities and other research performers;
• support multi-disciplinary ‘Science in Society’ research on the relationships between science, democracy and law, on ethics in science and technology, on the reciprocal influence of science and culture, on the role and the image of scientists, on gender aspects or on science education methods;
• step up efforts in communicating science to the broader public through closer links with both the audio-visual media and the press. 

Positions

Science and Research Commissioner Janez Potocnik: "A better informed and more engaged public can be more at ease with science and technology. There will still be controversies, of course, but we should aim for real debate rather than ‘dialogues of the deaf’! In my view, a transparent culture of explanation, consultation and dialogue is a simple matter of democratic accountability. ‘Science in society’ will also lead to better EU policies in general, by promoting more efficient use of scientific advice and by encouraging open and structured interaction between experts, civil society, policy-makers and other stakeholders. Finally, and perhaps surprisingly, societal debate can also lead to better science. Concerned stakeholders can raise new questions and open up unexpected research avenues. If we get it right, it is a win-win strategy for us all !"

The European Science Foundation (ESF) recognises this topic as very important for the maintenance of public confidence in the science system in Europe and "one cannot stress strongly enough the need for well-founded research programmes in the humanities and the social sciences to provide the basis for our understanding of the interaction between science and society and for the development of policies and actions which will strengthen the link between them". The ESF adds that the ethical dimension is also vital, especially given increasing public concern about the direction of certain areas of research.

Timeline

• In comparison to earlier surveys, the Eurobarometer 2005 survey (June 2006) shows that EU citizens are, in general, more optimistic about technology.
• A Researchers' night 2006 will be organised on 22 September, following the success of such night organised in 2005 in the framework of the 'Researchers in Europe 2005' initiative.
• 'Science and Society action portfolio' was made public in April 2005. It is a package of separate documents describing different activity areas and projects operating at crossroads of science and society.
• The Commission organised a 'Science in society forum' on 9-11 March 2005 (see key messages), during which the SINAPSE (Scientific Information for Policy Support in Europe) was launch. It is an e-network to make scientific advice more easily accessible for policy-makers.  
• 'Communicating European research 2005' international conference took place on 14-15 November 2005. 
• 'European science week' took place on 21-25 November 2005.

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