MASIS report puts spotlight on science in society activities in Europe
The EU has long recognised the importance of ensuring that European research is rooted firmly in society and is responsive to its needs. In the Seventh Framework Programme (FP7), efforts to reinforce the societal dimension of research are channelled through the 'Science in society' (SIS) programme. The SIS programme supports activities focusing on the governance of the research system, research ethics, carrying out research responsibly, public engagement in science, women in science, and the promotion of scientific education and science communication. Now the MASIS (Monitoring Activities of Science in Society in Europe) group of experts has drawn up a report analysing the emerging trends and cross-cutting issues in science in society in Europe. The report is addressed to policymakers and researchers and is designed to contribute to the realisation of the European Research Area (ERA). One of the most important trends identified by the group is the apparent emergence of a European model of science in society. 'While uniformity should not be the aim, there is the possibility that trends, experiments and mutual learning add up to a European model for science in society,' the report reads. 'Europe may have come further than other countries and regions, and in that sense it offers an alternative model: not by being different from the rest of the world, but by playing a leading role. 'European institutions tend to attribute a more active and creative role to their publics, and as a result, further encourage such social capacity,' the report adds. According to the experts, the EU's SIS programmes 'can and should' play a role in supporting the exploration of these ideas. Elsewhere, the report notes that a lot of discussions on science in society are based around the question of what place science should have in society. This debate should continue, and experiments should be carried out to address tensions in this area, the experts recommend. At the same time, science is increasingly thinking about its role and impacts. The authors point out that while policymakers rightly emphasise the links between science, innovation and quality of life, 'the political dimension [...] and the cultural and intellectual dimensions are also important'. On the issue of the governance of science in society, the authors note that new forms of governance are emerging. These include discussions on responsible development, the growing importance of ethics and codes of conduct, and experiments with public engagement. 'These are not without tensions, but they indicate that we do not have to fall back on traditional forms of governance,' the report reads. One part of the science in society debate revolves around human resources. Women continue to be under-represented in many areas of science, while many bright young people are choosing not to go into research careers. 'Appreciating diversity and making space for including social context can help to strengthen potential,' the report reads. A positive note comes in the section on science communication. Although the traditional mass media remains the most important option for raising awareness of science, the Internet offers increasingly easy access to scientific information. Writing in the foreword of the report, European Science and Research Commissioner Janez Potocnik comments: 'I am confident that this thought-provoking report will provide a basis for reflection and innovative ideas on the ways European societies interact and shape science in the context of a true European Research Area.'