Science, society and the press

Area of Science:

• Biomedical research communication
• Science and society interactions

Background:

• Biomedical community's evolving stance on press engagement.
• Investigator perceptions of the press as "educators" for public support.
• Historical context of public apprehension regarding research funding and involvement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To delineate the distinct roles of the press in science communication.
• To examine the relationship between scientific communities and public understanding.
• To address the complexities of science-society issues, using recombinant-DNA as a case study.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of the biomedical community's attitude towards the press.
• Distinction between "educating" and "informing" the public.
• Examination of the recombinant-DNA controversy as an example of science-society challenges.

Main Results:

• The press's primary duty is to inform the public about scientific developments, especially those impacting health and safety.
• The press should not exclusively "speak for" the biomedical community.
• Complex science-society issues, like recombinant-DNA, lack simple answers and cannot be resolved solely by scientific facts.

Conclusions:

• The press serves to inform, not necessarily to advocate for, the scientific community.
• Public understanding of science requires acknowledging the complexity and societal implications of research.
• Effective science communication necessitates a clear understanding of the press's role in informing the public about science and its societal relevance.