A new survey is to examine scientists' views on communicating their research to policy makers and the general public. The Wellcome Trust has commissioned MORI (Market and Opinion Research International) to interview a total of 1600 researchers.
At a time of mounting pressure on scientists to play a role in communication, the survey aims to examine their views on their role and responsibilities in communicating their research and any ethical implications to non-scientific audiences. The survey will also assess whether scientists feel equipped to play such a role and what part professional communicators should play.
A nationally representative sample of researchers - including biomedical and physical scientists - from higher education institutions will be interviewed as well as scientists supported by the various research councils in the UK. Interviews are scheduled to start in mid-November and are due to finish at the end of February 2000.
The findings will become available next spring and a final report is due in July 2000.
Sources and References
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Talking scientists
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Scientists and public communication
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