This is a good point. And one that makes me ask a question about the
original message.
What on earth can a " law of Popularization of Science" do? Make it illegal
for scientists not to communicate? If so, what do you mean by communicate?
As to the decline in enrolment for science, do the numbers support this
assertion? I have heard that the numbers are rising in some areas, perhaps
because youngsters are beginning to realise that a "technical" career can be
very lucrative, but not as quickly as they are rising in more fashionable
subjects.
MK
____________________________
Michael Kenward
ABSW e-minder
Editor, The Science Reporter
http://www.absw.org.uk
-----Original Message-----
From: psci-com: on public engagement with science
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Lesley Newson
Sent: 08 August 2005 23:56
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [PSCI-COM] Law of Popularization of Science
Dear Emanuella,
Many years of experience in Britain has shown that passing legislation in
the
attempt to popularise something usually has the opposite effect. In
Britain,
there are policies in place in the research funding bodies that oblige
scientists to disseminate the results of their funded research to the public
as well as other scientists. We also have policies in place regarding the
teaching of science in schools.
However, this does not appear to be working. Enrollment in science courses
at
university is less than the government would like and, I think, steadily
decreasing. It might, of course, declined more steeply without these
measures
but there is no evidence to support this.
I'm sure other list members can give more details.
Lesley
>===== Original Message From "psci-com: on public engagement with science"
<[log in to unmask]> =====
>Dear Listmembers,
>
>I work at the Ministry of Science and Technology of Brazil, in the
>Department of Popularization and Diffusion of Science and Technology,
>which integrates the Secretary for Social Inclusion.
>
>I am writing in the regard of the director of the Department, Mr. Ildeu de
>Castro Moreira, who is also a member of this list. He has been discussing
>with our Minister of Science and Technology about the possibility of
>implementing a law of Popularization of Science in Brazil. Then, in order
>to subsidize these meetings, we ask you all, if possible, to send us this
>kind of legislation that it may exist in your country.
>
>A Law of Popularization of Science is relevant to our country first to
>stablish policies of approaching the scientific community to the general
>public, second to define the society and communication means
>responsibility and lastly, to raise funds to invest on popularization.
>
>
>Thankfully,
>Emanuella Jaguar
>
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Lesley Newson
School of Psychology
University of Exeter
Washington Singer Laboratories
Perry Road
Exeter, UK EX4 4QG
Website: http://www.people.ex.ac.uk/ln202
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