Abstract: The ways in which (representatives of) science can and do affect public opinion of science has been a central object of the study of science-society relations. In the later decades of the 20th century, it was argued that public opinion could be understood as a function of knowledge of science, leading to the proposal that increasing public knowledge (or decreasing the deficit of knowledge) was key to ensuring public trust. As this model fell out of favor, researchers pointed towards a need to consider the ways in which science addresses the public. Arguing for dialogical approaches and that trust is better built through two-way communication and engagement. More recently the conduct of science itself has been raised as a key pillar of public opinion of science. The argument being that a positive public image is contingent on demonstrating that principles of good scientific practice are upheld. Educating the public, changing the methods of engagement, and ensuring research integrity are all simple and intuitive ways in which science could plausibly affect public opinion of science. However, studies provide only limited evidence that these are strong predictors of public opinion of science, and perhaps none of these can meaningfully be claimed as the load-bearing pillar(s) on which the positive public image of science rests. This talk addresses these explanations, and whether science actually matters for what people think about science.

Bio: Simon Fuglsang is a postdoctoral researcher at the Centre for Studies in Research and Research Policy at Aarhus University. His research focuses on the relationship between science and society. He examines how science is perceived in society, how science finds its way into the public consciousness, and how society enables and constrains the possibilities and direction of science. His primary research areas are public opinion of science, science communication, and research policy.

Coffee/tea, cake and fruit will be served at 13:15.