Populism and Scientific Decision Making

Abstract

The author calls for science communication scholars to play a greater role in helping to understand the processes, impacts, and implications of an enhanced public role in science policy decision making. A number of potential research topics are listed, including the role of celebrities in information campaigns, how public input changes priority-setting activities, and the significance of technology-driven public access to scientific information.

Public engagement in research funding: a study of public capabilities and engagement methodology

“…Field and Powell (2001) reported that few people have access to up-to-date, unbiased and accurate information on matters relating to science research, and consequently few are likely to understand the full implications of their involvement. During participation events, factors such as the method in which the research is communicated, who is communicating that message, and who else is involved in the participatory process, could all potentially influence public viewpoints (Sprecker, 2002;Woolley, 1998). There have, however, been some attempts in this area to investigate understanding of and methods of improving message communication.…”

“…Consumers were reportedly "amazed" by scientific achievements overall, although expressed some concern with regard to scientific regulation and control. The relationship between scientific knowledge and scientific attitude is recognized as an area of complexity (Sturgis and Allum, 2004), and a requirement for greater understanding of enhancing science communication and a public role in science priority setting has been called for (Sturgis and Allum, 2004;Woolley, 1998).…”

Forschungspolitik in einer medialisierten Konstellation von Politik, Wissenschaft und Medien

“…But either way, mass communication increases public access to science policy issues and is thereby relevant for the governance of scientific research (cf. Maeseele, 2007, p. 1;Woolley, 1998).…”