Factors Affecting Science Communication

by Scientists and Engineers

Survey of Academic

Scientists and Engineers

Dr Suzanne King

People Science & Policy Ltd

The Survey

• The Royal Society

• The Research Councils

• The Wellcome Trust

The Survey

• Web-based survey of 1485 research scientists and engineers in UK HEIs

• Additional samples of – RC unit staff– Wellcome Trust fellows– Royal Society fellows

• 41 follow-up in-depth telephone interviews• Interviews with national stakeholder

organisations

What did public engagement mean?

• Promote public understanding of science (34%)

• Highlight implications, relevance and value of science (15%)

• Listening and understanding the public (13%)

What was the purpose of public engagement?

• Better informed public (35%)

• Least important reasons:– Contribute to ethical discussions (5%)– Recruit students (4%)

What had they done in the past year?

• 74% had taken part in at least one science communication activity

0 10 20 30 40 50

Public lecture

Policy-makers

Schools

Non-specialistpublication

Publicdialogue/debate

Who was the audience?

• Policy-makers (60%)

• Schools and teachers (50%)

• Industry (47%)

• NGOs (34%)

• Media (33%)

How active had they been in the last year?

• 11% very active (more than 10 activities)• 63% active (1-10 activities)• 26% inactive (no activities)

• 47% wanted to spend more time on public engagement

• When asked an open question ‘why’ - 66% said because scientists should engage with the community

• 3% wanted to do less public engagement

Who did public engagement?• Those with communication training

• Senior researchers

• Those over 40

• Government and charity funded researchers

• Clinical and non-bioscience researchers

• Those in departments rated 1-5 in the RAE

• Those in research only positions

What would encourage you to get (more) involved?

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Awards and prizes for individuals

Part of getting professional status

Department/institution awards

More support and encouragement

Training

Career progression

Relieved of other work

Easier to organise

Funding easier

Bringing money into my department

RAE encompassed communication

Engagement covered staff time

A great deal To some extent Not very much Not at all Don't know

The need for an infrastructure

• 21% if someone else initiated it they would get involved

• 39% very/fairly difficult to get involved

The need for culture change

• Time away from research (70%)• Career depends on RAE and bringing in

money to department• Scientists who do PE less well regarded

by peers (20% agreed but 54% disagreed)

• Reinforced negative stereotypes of women