Introduction
In 2008, we launched a consultation on science and society in the UK to canvas views on how we should develop our skills base, improve science communications and build public confidence in science.
The consultation process confirmed the main challenges we face: making sure that science education in schools is exciting, demanding and of a high quality; recognising and rewarding people who undertake public engagement on science; improving equality and diversity within the scientific workforce; and increasing public confidence in science, research and their application.
The consultation also raised some different issues. It revealed, for example, that the understanding of what activities work best is simply not good enough.
A significant outcome from the consultation is that respondents want the Government to take a more active role in coordinating science and society activity in the UK.
During the course of 2009, five independent expert groups took forward the key areas which emerged from the consultation and have now published their action plans. You can read these, and some background to the groups, on this site.
