Science in Society links

This page has a number of interesting links to New Zealand and international websites that are about engaging the society in science. If you know of any other interesting websites please let us know.

New Zealand
Regular science in society updates
International science in society websites
International reports

New Zealand

Landcare Research is conducting research on social science aspects of resource management. It also has some links to relevant sites.

The Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment produced a report on New Zealanders' views on possum biocontrols.

Regular science in society updates

The journal Science publishes a monthly essay by individuals from both inside and outside the scientific community as they explore the interface between science and the wider society. Access is free.

The Pantaneto Forum is a quarterly publication that aims to promote debate on how scientists are coping with the role of science in society.

Public Agenda is an opinion research and citizen education organisation based in New York. This site includes a report on the public view of environmental issues.

International science in society websites

The UK Royal Society's Science in Society programme aims to explain and promote an understanding of the risks and benefits in advances in science and technology.

The UK Royal Society is also a partner in the Committee on the Public Understanding of Science (COPUS). COPUS is a UK national umbrella body for organisations and individuals involved in communicating science. It is aimed at increasing public engagement with the issues and processes of science.

BA is the British Association for the Advancement of Science. Its role is to increase the appreciation of science. It is also associated with COPUS.

The Centre for Science Studies at Lancaster University is well known for researching science and society issues. It approaches these issues from a wide range of disciplines.

Gateway to Public Engagement with Science is a searchable catalogue of internet sites covering public engagement in science, science communication and the interpretation of science in society.

The European Molecular Biology Organisation (EMBO) science and society programme has useful links, and it combines with the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) to host regular science and society conferences.

The European Commission has adopted an action plan on the science and society theme and it plans to focus this research area with the aim of building a more harmonious relationship between science and European society.

European Parliamentary Technology Assessment (EPTA) is a consortium of bodies performing science and technology assessment (TA) studies in order to advise parliaments on the possible social, economic and environmental impact of new sciences and technologies.

The Danish Board of Technology (DBT) aims to further the technology debate, assess technological impacts and options and advise the Danish Parliament and the Government. The DBT is also hosting the EPTA project.

The Institute of Science in Society (ISIS) in London aims to promote public understanding of science and to engage both scientists and the public in open debate and discussion on science issues.

The International Association of Public Participation (IAP2) is an association, based in the US, which seeks to promote and improve public participation by individuals, governments, institutions, and other entities that affect the public interest, in nations throughout the world.

The Centre for Science Policy and Outcomes (CSPO) at Columbia University, New York is looking at a range of issues, including understanding connections between science and societal issues and looking at policy initiatives that can help increase positive outcomes of science.

The Loka Institute is a US-based research and advocacy organisation concerned with the social, political, and environmental repercussions of science and technology.

Scientists for Global Responsibility (SGR) aims to promote ethical use of science and technology.

International reports

A report by the UK Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (POST) reviews recent developments in public dialogue in science and technology.

A UK report released by market research company MORI and the Wellcome Trust on the role of scientists in public debate.

A UK House of Lords report on Science and Society, released in February 2001.

The Office of Science and Technology (OST) and the Wellcome Trust conducted a review of science communication and public attitudes to science in Britain.

An EU working group has produced a report on governance in the EU. It includes methods for conducting meaningful dialogue between experts and citizens in areas where scientific evidence is a key component of policy decisions.

A guide to communicating science developed by the Research Councils UK.

Communicating Science and Technology adapted by the RSNZ from the UK Biotechnology and Biological Science Research Council publication "Communicating with the Public".

'Sharing Knowledge: A Guide to Effective Science Communication' is a book written by Julian Cribb and Tjempaka Sari Hartemo reflecting on the Australian experience.

The European Union website has links to many European sites on successful communications.

The Wellcome Trust has information and publications on science in society issues.


Page updated 11 Sep 2006