-----Original Message-----
From: Roland Jackson [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 25 November 2002 08:35
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: BA advice to OST on Science in Society
A couple of responses to postings on the BA's advice to OST.
Firstly, I hope Mike Kenward still finds it refreshingly brief and well-
structured on the second reading! On the media service point, the thinking
here was that, with an increasing range of organisations seeking to develop
more widely-based dialogue activities around immediate developments and
issues, it could be useful to have a generally available 'wire service' for
science-related news for the science communication community. Some
well-funded organisations have media services, of course (and indeed the BA
currently offers a press highlights service for members) but this
recommendation essentially suggests to OST that a more publicly-available
service might be beneficial. I'm sure OST will be avidly following any
conversation here, or they can be emailed directly, so others could
certainly say whether they think this is (a) a daft idea (b) sensible or (c)
whether they have a better one, perhaps because it already exists somewhere.
Eric Albone's points on consultation and innovation: we always knew, in the
time available, that we would only be able to test the ideas with a limited
range of people (this was therefore not a formal consultation in the normal
meaning of the term and I hope no-one feels too offended at not being asked
to respond: although it was well-known that we were doing this work and I
believe we involved anyone who specifically asked us to be consulted). We
tried to get a reasonably broad-based mix but I think the fact that we were
not able to encourage more 'users' or 'audience representatives' rather than
'providers' to reply is both unsurprising and also illuminating. Scientific
bodies in general, and arguably the science communication community too,
tend to operate in a predominantly provider- driven mindset. It's not
surprising, therefore, that audience groups might feel marginalised and feel
no overwhelming reason to participate. Conversations with a number of them,
while trying to encourage them to respond, lead me to this conclusion.
Innovation is therefore indeed required, as Eric suggests. Although the
advice does not specifically address wider issues such as this (we have
recommended a process that answers the brief from OST, not attempted to
redesign the whole of science
communication) I believe the processes we have recommended should certainly
encourage and support innovation. We have particularly emphasised
understanding audiences and evaluation in the advice to OST, both of which
are essential for innovation to be successful. Again, make your views known
to OST if you have practical suggestions.
Roland
Dr Roland Jackson
Chief Executive
the BA
23 Savile Row
London W1S 2EZ
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