The participation of scientists in public understanding of science activities: the policy and practice of the UK Research Councils

Participation of scientists in public understanding of science (PUS) activity has frequently been encouraged by appeals to the notion of duty. This paper reviews the schemes of five of the U.K. Scientific Research Councils that encourage their scientists to get involved in PUS activity. The success of such schemes is measured by the number of scientists participating and the way in which this activity is monitored. This paper compares and contrasts the different strategies used and gives comparative data on the Councils' expenditure on PUS activity. The results suggest an uncomfortable gap between the formal policy of the Research Councils and their practices on the ground. While the involvement of practicing scientists is an important element of the Research Councils' PUS program, the work reported here raises questions about the desirability and feasibility of the notion that PUS involvement should be an obligation for all research scientists.