Earlier this month, the Government launched a new €6.5 million programme to enhance public engagement in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (Stem). The Research Ireland Discover Programme focuses on creating meaningful public engagement with Stem, emphasising collaboration with communities.
Research Ireland director of research for society Dr Ruth Freeman explains the importance of public engagement with science. “Research Ireland research is funded by the taxpayer and the public has a right to know what the money is being spent on. Historically, a lot of research happened behind closed doors until the big reveal at the end. The thinking now is that it’s better to open up the doors and let people see what’s happening.”
There is genuine public interest in scientific research, she adds. “Much of it is really fascinating. As well as that, as we see technology playing a much bigger role in our lives, where do we get the social licence for that. We need to think about that early on in the ideation process. What does the public want and need and what do people not want? That’s not to say that the public should direct research, but we do need to empower people to have more of a say in decision making around research and knowledge is power.”
And then there is the trust issue. “Conducting research in an open and transparent way is important for building trust. In Ireland, we are lucky to have a high level of trust in science. This was particularly important during the pandemic when we had virologists and immunologists and others coming out to explain what was happening.”
Research Ireland’s public engagement efforts are aimed at fostering better conversations about science and technology and their role in our lives, she adds. “But not in a didactic way. We want to explain what we know, how we know it, and what we don’t know. Members of the public may know things we don’t and be aware of different contexts. When we put these things together, we may be able to imagine new solutions.”
A Brush with Climate is developing workshops and training material which empowers hairdressers to steer conversations toward climate action
It’s not only about Stem, she notes. “The arts and social sciences are important as well. When a member of the public thinks about issues like climate change or healthcare they don’t think about them within academic disciplines. Vaccines are developed by scientists but then there is the question of why people take them or not. It’s the same when we consider climate change. Disciplines like political science, economics, the humanities, psychology and so on that reflect on our place in the world and what it is to be a human feed into the issues.”
The Discover Programme will provide funding for 40 projects aimed at strengthening public engagement with issues such as these and encourage more inclusive participation in shaping the future of science and innovation in Ireland.
Among these projects is A Brush with Climate, which is developing workshops and training material which empowers hairdressers to steer conversations toward climate action, using small talk as a tool for change.
Another is Rooted: Building Connections to Nature in our Communities through Theatre, which brings together scientists, dancers, theatre-makers, students, and rural communities through public performances, expert talks, and an evening-length dance theatre production to explore our connection to nature and inspire action against the climate crisis.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is another area of focus, and the Inclusive Artificial Intelligence project aims to embed AI knowledge and skills in the learning approach of schools and youth services. The programme is inclusion focused and aims to enhance the capacity of teachers and youth workers to support young people in marginalised communities to raise their awareness of AI, develop an understanding of AI skills and spark further learning and career pathways to address diversity gaps in AI development.
‘It’s all about hope and fun, when we see progress in areas like health, it gives you that feeling of hope’
November will mark the 30th anniversary of Science Week, Research Ireland’s flagship public engagement initiative. The weeklong event celebrates science in our everyday lives and will feature events and activities around the country for the public to attend.
“We will celebrate 30 years of harnessing the power of curiosity and collaboration,” says Freeman. “The events are designed to be accessible as possible and to serve a variety of different audiences. We want to present material in ways that suit the public and will use TV, radio, the internet and live events to do that.”
The overall aim is to inspire and engage people. “It’s all about hope and fun, when we see progress in areas like health, it gives you that feeling of hope. Look at Ozempic and the other GLP drugs that are helping to improve people’s health and lifespans. It really is inspiring when you see research come up with a family of life changing drugs like that. There are so many different pathways into science. Lots of young people now want jobs with purpose. A career in science offers that.”
The Science Week call will close for festival applications on April 28th and for event applications on May 9th. For more information, visit scienceweek.ie
