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A new poll published today reveals that the public feel it is very important for them to be informed about new developments in science and technology and they see the media as the most effective method for scientists to do this.
The MORI survey commissioned by NESTA (the National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts) coincides with the launch of FameLab - a national competition to discover the new faces of UK science. This initiative, dubbed the science world's equivalent of Pop Idol is the brainchild of NESTA the Cheltenham Science Festival.
The need for the talent search has been validated by the poll findings which show an overwhelming public appetite for information on science with nine in ten thinking it is important to be informed about new developments in science and technology. However, only four in ten actually feel informed.
When asked about the importance of scientists using the media to keep the public informed of new developments in science and technology, 95 per cent think it is important. A large proportion, two thirds (69%), thinks it is very important.
Just over half of British adults cited the government as having the main responsibility for providing information, support or advice about science, to the general public. However, looking at combinations of responses, two-thirds of adults (66 per cent) place responsibility with the media and 30% with scientists.
The MORI/NESTA poll indicates that no science presenter gets high ratings as being an all-time favourite. When asked to name their most memorable science presenter, 53 per cent could not name one, and this increased to 74 per cent among 15 to 24 year olds. Sir David Attenborough and Sir Patrick Moore, were identified by the highest proportions (but only by nine per cent in each case) with Lord Winston coming next with six per cent.
The public feels that the biggest barrier to greater understanding of science and technology which the public faces is a lack of appreciation of how science affects the general public (35%). This is followed by several things which are mentioned by similar proportions, namely: a lack of public interest/apathy (29%), the use of scientific jargon (29%) and a lack of education (28%). Other key barriers include: little understanding of what scientists do (24 per cent), lack of relevance of information presented, to everyday lives (23 per cent) and information being presented in boring and unimaginative ways (23 per cent).
Speaking at the launch of FameLab at the Wellcome Trust, Jonathan Kestenbaum, NESTA's new CEO said: "NESTA's purpose is to be a catalyst for UK innovation and one of the key drivers in improving our capacity for innovation will be developments in science and technology. We need role models from the science community who will inspire the young to become the next generation of great innovators. We hope that FameLab will help us meet this challenge."
Kathy Sykes, Cheltenham Science Festival Director, added: "I was overwhelmed by the level of interest in FameLab 2005 and I'm delighted that the initiative is continuing. The MORI/NESTA poll reveals the public believe it is important to be informed about science and technology, driven more by curiosity than fear and suspicion - a really positive note on which to launch FameLab. The organisers look forward to unearthing a whole new generation of communicators that will keep on talking about science to the public both directly and via the media."
Auditions for FameLab 2006 will take place around the UK during March and April of next year and are open to anyone aged over 21 and working in science. FameLab is supported by Pfizer, The Daily Telegraph, Research Councils UK, The British Council and Channel 4.
Further information
Hannah Daws, NESTA Communications Manager, 020 7645 9534/07973 701337, hannah.daws@nesta.org.uk
High resolution images of FameLab 2005 winner, Dr Mark Lewney, are available upon request.
For further information about the poll:
Michele Corrado, MORI, 020 7347 3000, michele.corrado@mori.com
Kate Duxbury, MORI, 020 7347 3000, kate.duxbury@mori.com
Technical Information:
The MORI Study was conducted among a representative sample of 1,965 members of the general public. Data are weighted to the national population profile. Interviews were conducted face-to-face, in-home between 20 and 25 October 2005.
Notes to editors
FameLab - FameLab is a registered trademark of Cheltenham Arts Festivals Limited, charity no 251765.
FameLab entrants must be at least 21 years old and working in science. This includes private and public sector employees, technicians and anyone working in the fields of science, technology, engineering or maths. Entrants do not need to apply before the day of audition but are encouraged to register their interest at www.famelab.org to receive updates and information. Regional auditions will be held as follows:
�??�?�· Saturday 11 March 2006 Live Science Centre, Newcastle
�??�?�· Sunday 19 March 2006, National Waterfront Museum, Swansea
�??�?�· Sunday 26 March 2006, Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh
�??�?�· Saturday 1 April 2006, Dana Centre, London
�??�?�· Saturday 22 April 2006, W5, Belfast
Final to be held at the Cheltenham Science Festival, Cheltenham 7 - 11 June 2006 (date tbc). For full eligibility and competition details see www.famelab.org
NESTA
NESTA (the National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts) is a non-departmental public body (NDPB) investing in innovators and working to improve the climate for innovation. Visit www.nesta.org.uk to find out more.
Cheltenham Science Festival
Cheltenham Science Festival offers both a celebration and critical exploration of science. Using hallmarks of quality, accessibility, debate and enjoyment, the Festival presents scientific issues in a challenging and exciting environment, using a range of innovative event formats. The Festival seeks to respond to public interest in scientific issues and to create opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to become more informed and to participate in dialogue and debate. Over the last four years the Festival has gained the reputation for nurturing talent in science communication, offering new opportunities for people from different backgrounds to engage different audiences in science.
Pfizer
For over 150 years we have been producing medicines that make a difference to patients lives, to their families and to society. We rely on the creativity and innovation of the some 6,500 people we employ in the UK to convert basic science into novel and useful medicines. We support FameLab because communication is at the heart of scientific progress; particularly communication between scientist and non-scientist. FameLab seeks out, trains and rewards new science communicators and recognises the importance of engaging a wider public in science and its application.
The Daily Telegraph
The Daily Telegraph is Britain's best-selling quality daily newspaper. Every Tuesday our dedicated science page brings you the latest discoveries and phenomena from the world of science. As well as our main feature, on anything from cosmology to marine biology, mathematics or psychology, there is also Professor Steve Jones's weekly "View from the Lab" where he explains complex scientific ideas in an entertaining and accessible style.
All of our science coverage can also be found on www.connected.telegraph.co.uk and FameLab coverage is on www.telegraph.co.uk/famelab
Channel 4
Channel 4 has engaged a new audience with innovative science programming, presented by extraordinary people. Recent highlights include "Anatomy for Beginners, What We Still Don't Know and Alien Worlds." says Louisa Bolch, Science Editor at Channel 4. "We are looking for people with real passion, people with charisma, presence and expert knowledge, who can make us open our eyes and see the world in a new way. We're looking forward to getting to grips with Britain's next generation of science communicators."
Research Councils UK
Research Councils UK (RCUK) is a strategic partnership through which the UK's eight Research Councils work together to champion the research, training and innovation they support. The Research Councils are the main public investors in fundamental research in the UK with interests ranging from arts and humanities, bio-medicine and particle physics to the environment, engineering and economic research. Individually and collectively, the Research Councils support and promote a free flow of authoritative information and exchange of views between scientists, members of the public and policy-makers in the field of science.
The British Council
The British Council is the United Kingdom's international organisation for educational opportunities and cultural relations, operating independently from the UK Government. The British Council's science programme supports scientific collaboration through the exchange of ideas and knowledge, and by building relationships between young scientists around the world. Through its science and society projects, it stimulates debate about the impacts of science on people's lives and awareness and appreciation of the UK with wider international audiences.
Other quotes
Louisa Bolch, Science Editor, Channel Four, "I think senior scientists from both industry and academia are often frightened that their peers will think less of them if they stick their head above the parapet & put themselves in front of the media. And some elements within the media are too easily seduced by the prospect of telling a good story, and not concerned enough with the complex reality that may lie behind it. Both sides need to work much harder to bridge the gap."
Sir David Attenborough comments: "We live in a scientific age and conveying what makes society tick today and what's likely to make it tomorrow, is of crucial importance."
Professor Ian Diamond, Chairman of Research Councils UK, is backing the competition: "FameLab is the perfect opportunity for anyone working in science who wants to transmit their enthusiasm to the public. All scientists should have the opportunity to get out of the lab and talk about their science with the public. FameLab would be a great place to start."
© Cheltenham Festivals 2006/7