Blog post by Camilla Arvidsson, Programmes Officer, Sense about Science
Standing up for science can be extremely daunting. Polarised debates across a range of issues from gene editing to vaccine safety and GM foods to human-made climate change mean that researchers can often be wary of putting their heads above the parapet to defend science. Scepticism, misinformation, and social media pile-ons also mean researchers, and especially those at the start of their careers, don’t feel equipped to take on these debates. And yet if scientists are not out in the public sphere, responding to the public’s questions and concerns, and championing one of our most reliable sources of knowledge, we risk further misunderstanding and misinformation spreading through society.
This is why, for the last 20 years, Sense about Science has run the Voice of Young Science (VoYS) programme which provides training and resources to ECRs keen to take responsibility for the public discussion around science and research. We believe that investing at the early stage of researchers’ careers is a way of improving the long-term culture around research toward openness and transparency in the longer term.
Attending the workshop was such a rewarding experience! […] Hearing from journalists and policymakers about what they need from scientists opened my eyes to the importance of interacting effectively with other stakeholders at the interface between science and society. I now feel more aware and confident in making my voice heard in the public discussion around science.
Federica Mossa, 2nd year PhD student at Queen Mary, University of London
Through VoYS, ECRs have the opportunity to hear from researchers further along in their careers about their experiences, good and bad, of working with the media and policy worlds. They learn from journalists and policy professionals about how their worlds work and what they need from scientists to operate effectively. They are able to share their worries and concerns with their peers and receive tools and insights on tricky areas where the public conversation can go wrong or be incredibly polarised. Ultimately, VoYS aims to inspire researchers to understand why it is so important that they stand up for science, and to build up their confidence and skills to have public conversations about science and evidence.
We are grateful for the University of Exeter’s longstanding support for our VoYS programme and their commitment to building a community of researchers inspired and motivated to take responsibility for the public conversation around science and evidence. As a VoYS partner, University of Exeter students have the opportunity to get a priority place at one of our free ‘Standing Up for Science’ workshops which are held across the UK and online. Our workshops cover policy making in the UK as well as the EU, so check out our full programme for dates and content details. Join our VoYS network and receive our monthly resources and updates on exciting opportunities.
Join the network | View and apply for your free workshop place