Scientists aren't special - any profession or interest group will complain of being misunderstood, unloved etc - and probably feel that, if only they were better understood, enlightenment acceptance and more dosh would follow. Ain't so, especially in science - there are plenty of suveys around showing that when 'the public' feel they understand an issue they like it even less.
But we're talking perception and image of scientists here. We can explain all we want but if our chosen audiences aren't within listening distance having been put off by their initial impressions, however formed and however wrong they may be, then we are talking to ourselves. Kids form images of jobs and the people who do them at primary school age and although 'received images' through the media are important in re-enforcing stereotypes, when it comes to subject and career choices, the people around them are crucial role models - neighbours, family friends, parents (especially fathers - and that's for both sexes). So that's people like the Institute's members - who themselves in our recent survey thought that physicists were 'male, around 60 who would wear a tweed jacket and that if they threw a party there would be sweet white wine, classical music, a selection of cheese and definitely no dancing'(Honest, its in the research).
Scientists cannot leave it just to 'communicators' to change their image. We can find sassy physicists who skateboard, who play in rock bands or who (heaven help us) appear on popular tv game shows and we can work to get them into the media - but we come up against a reality mismatch when people meet 'real' scientists who conform to the jargon-talking, wild-haired stereotype or who are exposed to scientists who talk themselves and their profession down.
We have a major comms exercise to carry out in our own community. This might not make us popular with some members of it (remember the opprobrium heaped on Barabara Follett for transforming the Labour party from 'Foot's donkey jacket at the Cenotaph' to 'Blair's babes'?) but you could argue that the end justifies the means.
Ok - so how do we do it? Over to you guys....
Dianne
-----Original Message-----
From: MK [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 04 December 2003 10:45
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [PSCI-COM] Scientists on 'Weakest Link'
How can we improve the public perception of plumbers, lawyers, politicians,
journalists, farmers.....?
Why are scientists so special?
It is not the only activity that has generated a large band of hangers on
and spin doctors trying to earn a living by solving the "communication
problem".
The solution is to get out and do it. To explain what science is and how it
works as a process.
If as much effort went into this as goes into pulling up the plant and
inspecting the roots we would have a scientifically literate nation.
MK
_______________________________________________________________________
Michael Kenward / Phone: +44 (0)1444 400568 Fax: 401064
/
Science Writer & Stuff / Genetically modified words for sale
-----Original Message-----
From: psci-com: on the public understanding of science
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Kat Arney
Sent: 04 December 2003 10:11
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [PSCI-COM] Scientists on 'Weakest Link'
I think government grants should be available to tackle the image problem
scientists have. These would cover:
-free haircuts and Head and Shoulders shampoo
-Topshop/Topman vouchers
-free contact lenses all round
-elocution lessons
Seriously though- how can we improve the public perception of scientists?
Kat
Dr. Katharine L. Arney
Lymphocyte Development Group
MRC Clinical Sciences Centre
Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine
Hammersmith Hospital Campus
Du Cane Road
LONDON W12 0NN
"I have not failed, I have merely found 10,000 ways which do not work"
Thomas Edison
----- Original Message -----
From: "Philip Strange" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Thursday, December 04, 2003 9:56 AM
Subject: Re: [PSCI-COM] Scientists on 'Weakest Link'
psci-com is nothing if not entertaining!
is a "boffins special" the best that we can do for scientists - your
definition of a boffin encapsulates the problem we have with image,
perpetuated by crass programmes like the Weakest Link - it all adds to the
mistrust of scientists and their advice - surely there is a better way to
present the profession
anyway it clashes with Neighbours
Philip
-----Original Message-----
From: psci-com: on the public understanding of science
[mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of MadeleineShepherd
Sent: 03 December 2003 22:17
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [PSCI-COM] Scientists on 'Weakest Link'
But irony is easily lost in email and if it was a straightforward question
it deserved a straight answer.
If it was ironic, I'm sorry for being such a pedant - I should have been an
academic! [irony - honest!]
I like the idea of reclaiming "boffin" - Tell us more, Jo.
Madeleine
----- Original Message -----
From: "MK" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Tuesday, December 02, 2003 2:25 PM
Subject: Re: [PSCI-COM] Scientists on 'Weakest Link'
Perhaps the questioner was being ironic.
The only people who use the word boffin are thick brained and lazy news
editors. It is a sure fire way of pissing off many scientists.
MK
======================
Michael Kenward
ABSW e-minder
http://www.absw.org.uk
________________________________
From: psci-com: on the public understanding of science
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Madeleine Shepherd
Sent: 02 December 2003 12:24
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [PSCI-COM] Scientists on 'Weakest Link'
A Boffin is a particular stereotype of the scientist that arose in post WW2
Britain - a obsessed, withdrawn individual but "on our side" - Not nearly as
bad a the "Mad Scientist"
see this article
http://ej.iop.org/links/q40/uJHQm5V2CYpl6D7qK1YBfw/pu7103.pdf
or the recent book "The Backroom Boys" by Francis Spufford
> Message date : Dec 02 2003, 11:32 AM
> From : Philip Strange
> To : [log in to unmask]
> Copy to :
> Subject : Re: [PSCI-COM] Scientists on 'Weakest Link'
>
what is a boffin?
> Philip
Madeleine Shepherd
Science Communicator & Photographer
[log in to unmask]
http://www.tapirland.co.uk
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