Science in Society
New Zealanders' relationship with science and technology is complex.
For many of us, science and technology offer the prospect of a new and exciting future, but the rapid introduction of new technologies with far-reaching implications can generate concerns about ethical issues, environmental risks and equity of benefits.
Amongst New Zealanders there is a wide range of responses to new technologies. Some are concerned by them, others celebrate them and different technologies elicit different responses.
In turn, science and technology are increasingly under scrutiny from society. There are demands for science and technology to have greater accountability to societal needs and values, questions about what constitutes good science and concern that more regard be taken of the inherent uncertainties in science.
Understanding and improving the complex relationship between science and society is not easy. It involves an understanding of the different perspectives New Zealanders have and addressing their needs. These can include the need to celebrate our successes, the need for information to help their decision-making or the need to engage with the scientists over their concerns.
Meeting these needs will help create a society that has trust and confidence in science and technology.
What are the policy issues these concerns raise?
If New Zealanders are to continue to support research it is important that government develops actions to address the concerns that they may have.
The concerns are often multi-layered. They are not merely a symptom of communication failure and public ignorance about science. They represent a desire to be part of the process by which research questions are framed.
The strength and accountability of New Zealand's RS&T system depends, to a large extent, on its ability to show it can be fair and transparent and take into account all the legitimate interests and opinions.