Why is science important for society

Instead, the cycle actively serves to construct and integrate scientific knowledge. And that knowledge is useful for all sorts of things: from designing bridges, to slowing climate change, to prompting frequent hand washing during flu season. Because its products are so useful, the process of science is intertwined with those applications:. New scientific knowledge may lead to new applications.

For example, the discovery of the structure of DNA was a fundamental breakthrough in biology. It formed the underpinnings of research that would ultimately lead to a wide variety of practical applications, including DNA fingerprinting, genetically engineered crops, and tests for genetic diseases.

New technological advances may lead to new scientific discoveries. Many researchers consider that it is outside their role, and even contrary to their interests. Therefore, the following proposal is made:.

Obviously, the best results of educational efforts are attained within the formal education system. Like the rest of Spanish society, the Spanish political class is not in close contact with scientific knowledge, and, unlike the majority of countries in Europe, there are no official and transparent channels for offering scientific and technological advice to the government or parliamentary representatives.

Examples of such channels are: scientific advisory offices for the presidency; permanent Parliament and Senate scientific commissions; scientific advisors in embassies, and international organisations. The position of scientific information in the Spanish media is on a par with its situation in the country, in terms of effort and scientific level. It lies somewhere between that of the most advanced countries and the least developed.

The small size of the Spanish science and technology system; the lack of leading scientists and authorised spokespeople; the limited social and political influence of scientists; and the absence of a scientific tradition in Spain are factors that have a negative effect on the social appreciation of science, despite the level reached in the last two decades. The most reliable data regarding the amount of science shown on television reveal that science has a relatively low impact on TV programming in Spain 0.

Therefore we propose that:. Since the early days of the internet, science has sought and found its place in the resources of the World Wide Web. This has raised the prospects of moving science closer to the interests of society. Scientific organisations and associations, hospitals, universities, companies undertaking research, government departments, museums, etc.

However, the limited number of internet portals for science communication and information in Spain are often of a low quality and have only marginal influence.

If the overall effects are considered, it is clear that the internet has changed the situation, in science as in other fields, from a chronic lack of information and knowledge, to one in which the problem is the individual management of an overabundance of information. Intellectual access to science and other information is seriously limited by the fact that reading habits have changed for the worse and reading comprehension has decreased, particularly among schoolchildren.

Recovering and strengthening these capacities should be compatible with the emergence of new media and formats. In addition, the production of scientific and popular science books is very low in Spain. President, AIBS. Oxford Academic. Google Scholar. Robert E Gropp. Executive Director. Select Format Select format.

Permissions Icon Permissions. Issue Section:. Download all slides. View Metrics. Email alerts Article activity alert. As you probably already know, academics are becoming increasingly aware of their responsibility to communicate more broadly, especially to the public.

Moreover, given the significant change in the way information is disseminated and accessed, people want more from researchers, academic institutions, and industry than ever before. As a result, the topic of science communication is a growing area of interest.

While many do recognise this, it can be a challenge to do it effectively. A large number of academics are actively being encouraged by their institute or funding agency to engage and showcase their work beyond their own niche communities and traditional publishing channels, especially when it comes to taxpayer-funded research.