Press Release 13/01/2012
Foster public engagement activity and knowledge transfer between science and society! That is the main message of VA’s (Public and Science) submission to the Swedish Ministry of Education and Research for the forthcoming new research and innovation bill.
Research-based knowledge must be shared if it is to be used. The exchange of knowledge, ideas and results between researchers and the public benefits both parties and is needed to help Sweden to grow on an economical, political and cultural level. In addition, it strengthens the quality and relevance of the research.
“Researchers gain new perspectives, greater knowledge and enhanced skills through dialogue with the surrounding society. It improves their research and is of educational benefit,” says Cissi Askwall, VA’s Secretary General.
One way to inspire and create incentives for public engagement is to highlight examples of best practice. There is a successful initiative in the United Kingdom called Beacons for Public Engagement. Six British universities were selected as role models and received funds to develop different types of public engagement activity and to share their knowledge and experiences with other universities. VA proposes introducing a similar initiative to Sweden.
Three additional recommendations put forward in the submission are to:
– Carry out pilot trials of participatory research processes
– Develop methods for evaluating and rewarding dialogue and public engagement
– Set requirements for researchers in receipt of research grants to participate in public engagement activities
“Research Councils play a key role in creating incentives for public engagement. By setting requirements for public communication of science, funding bodies can bring about a culture change,” says Cissi Askwall.
VA also recommends that the research bill highlight the importance of making research-related activities available to people across Sweden, especially to young people.
Take a look at VA’s submission to the Ministry of Education (Swedish only) or contact:
Cissi Askwall, Secretary General of VA, 070-626 44 74, [email protected]
Karin Hermansson, Secretary of VA, 070-867 66 77, [email protected]
High resolution images for publication:
www.v-a.se/om-va/press/pressbilder/
VA (Public and Science) promotes dialogue and openness between researchers and the public – especially young people. The organisation works to create new forms of dialogue about research. VA is also developing new knowledge on the relationship between research and society through surveys and studies. Its members consist of some 80 organisations, authorities, companies and associations. In addition, it has a number of individual members. For more information visit www.v-a.se/in-english/
