Brussels, 06 Jun 2005

Increasingly society wants to know how science is conducted, and more transparency in science is the only way to bridge the gap between science and society. Experts therefore applauded an initiative by the organisers of the European research and innovation conference and exhibition, which took place in Paris from 3 to 5 June, of offering free entrance to the general public.

A European first, the conference was supported by the European Commission, and offered the general public the opportunity to meet and debate with researchers, scientists and industrialists.

At a session on science and society on 4 June, a panel of experts highlighted the paradox between the fact that the general public recognises that science is the cause of economic prosperity, yet worries about the complexity of recent scientific innovations.

'We need to give a greater role to social sciences and we need to increase the diversity of research teams,' said Pascal Viginier executive director of research and development (R&D) at France Telecom. 'Beyond the technical aspects, we need to look at man and what he expects from science. To increase the legitimacy of science, we need to develop the interaction between science and society.'

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French journalist François de Closets agreed, regretting the rise of anti-science movements exemplified by the recent destruction of GM fields by French activists which occurred without condemnation by the general public. Since the 1970s, Mr de Closets believes, there has been an ambivalence towards science, and questioning scientific progress has become 'de rigueur'.

'The participation of citizens is an important resource in order to promote research in a democratic Europe,' added Massimiano Bucchi a consultant for the European Commission. 'It is no good asking society's opinion once the deed is done. Research policy must take into account public opinion, starting from the initial stage. Citizens must be involved in the elaboration of research priorities.'

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According to Dr Bucchi, scientists must not only learn communicate their research and discoveries better, but must also learn to listen to the citizen.

'The more science advances, the more it meets with resistance from society,' said Dr Bucchi. 'Yet research shows that if the general public is consulted and feels implicated in the development of research policy, its attitude towards science becomes more positive.

A member of the public, taking France as an example, noted, however, that there are fewer and fewer scientists among politicians, and until a key politician is put in charge of research, the fracture between science and society is unlikely to diminish.

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