UK public more appreciative of science, but understand it less

The UK Public Attitudes to Science 2011 survey finds that 82 per cent of people agree that, “Science is such a big part of our lives that we should all take an interest.” And 86 per cent say they are amazed by the achievements of science and are similarly positive about the potential impact of science on economic growth.

But while the number of people who think science is a good thing has been steadily increasing since the first survey was carried out in 2000, 51 per cent of people feel they see and hear too little information about science. This compares with 34 per cent in 2008. Similarly, 56 per cent do not feel well informed about scientific research and developments, compared with 43 per cent three years ago.

Two-thirds of people also agree that scientists should listen more to what ordinary people think.

“Science, technology, engineering and maths are vital to economic growth. It’s encouraging that people are increasingly interested in research and new developments. However, more disappointingly, at the same time they feel less informed. People want more information and to engage with these subjects in a way that’s relevant to them. That’s a very clear message which government has an important role in responding to,” said Minister for Universities and Science David Willetts.

Paul Nurse, President of the Royal Society agreed the public’s positive attitude towards science is welcome and reassuring. “At a time when the public finances are being squeezed it is important that people see science is a good investment for the future.”

But said Nurse, the fact that people want to know more about what scientists are doing presents a big challenge for researchers. “Scientists have not always put enough emphasis on having conversations about their work with the general public. Keeping science behind closed doors is not an option and talking at people is not good enough either.”

While it’s encouraging to learn about growing public interest in science, it’s also worrying to note the outdated, stereotypical views about what a scientist is, and that future potential scientists and engineers - those aged 16-24 - are less informed about science, said Paul Jackson, Chief Executive of EngineeringUK. “The Public Attitudes to Science report 2011 provides useful insight for organisations like EngineeringUK.”

Public Attitudes to Science Survey 2011 was commissioned by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills. The survey is carried out every three years and this is the fourth in the series. For the 2011 survey, Ipsos MORI interviewed 2,104 UK adults aged 16 and over between 11 October and 19 December 2010.