What is Science and Society?
Science and Society is a new general domain in the European Union's
Sixth Framework Programme for research (FP6).
However, science and society is not an entirely new area. Several
science and society issues were covered in former Framework Programmes, such as
the 'improving human potential' initiative, gender issues and raising public
awareness, which included prizes and science week networking. Moreover, about 100 projects in the Fifth
Framework Programme included an ethical review. As such, research in this
domain blends several elements from the past while introducing new areas and
priorities for Science and Society in FP6.
See also
Further information
Science and Society's vision
Science and society's vision is to help create an
environment where:
- the public at large - especially youngpeople - are more aware, informed and excited about science
- scientific effort is naturally open to public concerns and aspirations
- both policy-makers and citizens can make informed choices from the range of options presented by technological progress
The Science and
Society action draws its inspiration from the fact that Europeans feel
under-informed about science and research, youngsters are turning away from
scientific studies and careers and people misunderstand - and sometimes
mistrust - scientists and their activities, according to Eurobarometer studies
on science and society in the EU Member States and candidate countries.
Further information:
- Europeans, science and technology; Eurobarometer survey [pdf]
- Candidate Countries; Eurobarometer
survey [pdf]
- Enlargement Directorate-General
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