The public should be encouraged to find out more about science and technology and form its own conclusions about issues like climate change, GMOs or foot-and-mouth disease, it was stated yesterday.
The Minister of State with responsibility for science, technology and commerce, Mr Noel Treacy, said while scientists should build up a dialogue with the public, citizens should inform themselves about the important issues of the day and students should be encouraged to take up science.
Introducing the sixth annual Science, Technology and Innovation Awareness Programme in Dublin, the Minister said it aimed to increase interest in and encourage people to find out more about science and technology.
"Through the awareness programme schedule of activities in 2001, we intend to spread the message everywhere. We need more young people to be interested in science and to consider taking it up in third level and in their careers and we are determined to convey the message that science offers young people both intellectual challenge and the chance of a fulfilling life."
As science and technology were so central to industrial strategy, the Government had consistently supported the programme. However, it was not just the Government which had a responsibility in the area of science and technology awareness. The Minister said scientists traditionally had been trained to communicate best with their fellow scientists.
"It is becoming clear, however, that the taxpayer is not so much interested in how science evolves. They are very interested in its implications for them and their families."
Scientists needed to realise the importance of planning their work and, more importantly, needed to do so in a language the lay person could under stand. "This Government is making vastly increased re sources available and researchers are under an obligation to respond by building up a dialogue with the public."
The media had been playing their part. Coverage of science and technology matters had improved both in volume and quality.
The awareness programme is run by Forfas on behalf of the Office of Science and Technology in the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
Mr John Travers, Forfas chief executive officer, said the National Innovation Awards, co-sponsored by The Irish Times and Pricewaterhouse Coopers, had been launched and the IBM National Science and Technology Journalism Awards would be publicised shortly.
He said students and young people would be catered for through a website being developed.