I agree with Andy Boddington that the name issue is significant.
"Scientific culture" is another term I like. It allows scope for a healthy
diversity of agendas.
My own science-communication agenda mainly seems to be "engagement with
natural phenomena" rather than "engagement with (or promotion of) the
activities of professional scientists". However, each complements the other.
We're not all "stooges for the science establishment" as Peter Wrobel
commented in the speech referred to by Michael Kenward. (Most of his remarks
seem equally applicable to science centres.)
Call me old fashioned, but aside from the politics and the need to earn a
living I'm motivated by a sincere belief that good science communication -
and scientific culture - can actually enrich people's lives.
Ian Russell * [log in to unmask]
Successful learning environments are
more exploratory than explanatory.
* * * www.interactives.co.uk * * *
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