2008-06-20
Paper for PCST session Dialogical Science Communication and Publics in the Making
Public Engagement through Science Dialogue Cissi Askwall, Vetenskap & Allmänhet, VA
Today, science is discussed mainly in mass media. It is unusual for the public and researchers to meet face to face, even though everyone is affected by and pays for research. Much effort is directed towards enhancing the quality and quantity of popular science. But there has to be a demand for knowledge. Therefore, it is as important to listen to people and to get them involved, as it is to provide information. Science catches people’s imagination when they perceive it as meaningful and relevant, and view it in its proper context. If so, people are very interested in discussing science – both according to our experiences and to the several attitudinal surveys VA has conducted in Sweden1. New ideas for scientists Laypersons can give scientists new insights, and a better feel for how their work is perceived by the general public. By participating in public engagement activities researchers will also gain a better idea of what actually sparks people’s interest, what concerns them and what they want to know. Science’s understanding of the public is just as important as the public’s understanding of science. Many researchers would like more contact with society. Yet direct, mutual exchanges of ideas are rare. VA is convinced that a wider variety of democratic discussion forums are needed. This is why we arrange science cafés and work together with the British Council Stockholm office to spread the café concept around Sweden. A science café is an open forum where the public meets scientists to discuss topical issues over a cup of coffee, a beer or a glass of wine. Anyone with an interest in the topic is welcome to take part. The aim is for both scientists and laymen to gain new knowledge and insights, the participants being the ones directing the dialogue. The starting point of a science café should be what actually interests people or truly relates to people’s lives, such as Why do we fall in love? or May the nano particles in my sunscreen be harmful? The best conversation topics provoke a reaction in everyone. It can be research that is inherently fascinating or changes the way people think, as well as developments that have social impact or create ethical dilemmas. Any area of science can be covered, from medicine, biology and technology to social sciences, humanities and even the arts. French origins Science Cafés first appeared around the same time in France and Britain in 1998. The concept was a variation of the Cafés Philosophiques which had been running for several years in France. Since then the initiative has spread. Now science cafés can be found in some 30 countries around the world. In some places there are also special cafés for children, young people and students. Some cafés are run by universities or by organisations such as ours, others are run on a voluntary basis by people just passionate about science. Although the format varies, the overarching aim of a science café is to promote public engagement with science and to make it more accessible. The choice of venue is crucial. Discussions can be held in bars, pubs, restaurants, cafés, theatres or museums – the most important thing is that it is a relaxed environment. The point is to go where an audience already congregates naturally.
VA has run yearly attitudinal studies since 2002. The results are summarised in an article published in Science & Public Affairs 2007, see reference list. 1