Dialogue between science and community
Public concern about science issues
Research and workshops show that New Zealanders are concerned about science issues.
These concerns have been highlighted by the rapid development of biotechnology, increasing commercialisation of research and the need for confidentiality from our research organisations.
These issues are linked to trust and to values. People perceive that science research is taking place without adequate public awareness and debate. They feel that some research is taking place in areas where people feel uncomfortable as it conflicts with values they hold as important.
Engagement
The term ‘engagement’ describes how people connect with issues they hear and read about. People’s knowledge, experience and values provide insights on how they frame issues and evaluate solutions.
The engagement process should move discussion and debate from polarised or entrenched positions to effective discussion and debate. The two-way nature of the communication process needed to achieve this is referred to as dialogue. Dialogue is different from promotion or giving the public an understanding of science.
Dialogue Fund
Between 2002 and 2004 the Dialogue Fund made $NZ450,000 per year available. This funding was used for trial programmes to engage communities in discussion over science and technology related issues. We specifically wanted to engage on issues that are, or may become, a cause of tension between science and society.
Learnings from the fund
A Process for Enhancing Dialogue on Biosecurity Issues - Landcare Research website
Science Dialogues: The Communicative Properties of Science and Technology dialogue (2004) - University of Waikato
Hands Across the Water: Developing dialogue between stakeholders in the New Zealand biotechnology debate (2004) – Viclink
Review of projects
The Cross Case Study Learning Group independently evaluated the Dialogue Fund projects and produced the report below.
NZ Science and Technology Dialogue Fund Evaluation Project: From ‘dialogue’ to ‘engagement’? Learning beyond cases - Cross Case Study Learning Group