French research minister aims to put science in the spotlight
Roger-Gérard Schwartzenberg has announced that he will be introducing 10 measures to help bring science and society closer together and help to stoke the debate about scientific and technological choices society faces. These measures include ensuring that the information on scientific and technological research is better communicated to the public. This means two things: firstly that the means by which the scientific community conveys its results needs to be evaluated and secondly that the means of communication (radio, television, press) take a more active interest in the subject. Mr Schwartzenberg has written a letter to the president of France's CSA (conseil superior de l'audiovisuel) detailing his regret at the 'relative disinterest in research' shown by the media. The creation of consultative ethics committees in research centres is another of the measures put forward by the minister, which he says could be consulted regarding specific difficulties thrown up by certain types of research. He would also like to see a reinforcement of financial support to scientific associations. In addition, further meetings between the public and the scientific community, which give the opportunity to members of the public to put questions to researchers. Political parties also need to play an increased role, particularly in the manifestos that they prepare for the next elections. In this context, Mr Schwartzenberg would like to see more contact between researchers and elected officials. Mr Schwartzenberg referred to these as the 'first 10 measures' indicating that there may be more to follow.
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