Communicating Science and Technology In the Public Interest.

摘要

Science and technology are a pervasive presence in our lives. The way we work, communicate with one another, stay healthy, and play are all profoundly influenced by the results of scientific inquiry. In such a world, increasing the public’s understanding and appreciation of science and technology is of paramount importance. The science and engineering community has always recognized this imperative. Yet it has not been as successful as it needs to be in encouraging communication of science and engineering knowledge and research results to a wider public audience. There are few incentives — and in some cases, severe disincentives — for scientists to make their own work or that of others accessible through popular literature or the broadcast media. The National Science Board Strategic Plan (NSB-98-215) has identified public understanding and appreciation of science and technology and public outreach by the science and engineering communities as essential for successful science and technology policy that will benefit society (Appendix I ).