What everyone can learn from iSAGE about public engagement

Science - a discipline that is built around uncertainty - can never be presented in one way; as fact.  It can only ever be a continuing discussion, a dialogue, a debate.  Science is a live, active, participatory affair.  It is not a single message to be conveyed.  

So why do we present it as so in government?

Why does the scientific evidence behind policy decisions come across as something given to ministers from on high.  Something granted to the powerful few, not shared with those who are keen for answers.  Not something to be questioned, tussled with, thrown about a bit.  

I’ve worked with hundreds of researchers as a Public Engagement professional, to create a culture change that sees engagement a natural part of research.  Not a table-top-activity-at-a-science-fair  end-of-research add on.  Something that truly opens up science (and all research) to those it is most relevant too.  Doing this well means research becomes better and more valuable. Full stop.  

While many researchers embrace public engagement and do their best to incorporate it into what is already an over stretched and diverse role, public engagement professionals face resistance.  A lot of it.  Often from a common misconception of what public engagement really is; the whacky scientist with an exploding model volcano showing kids just how ‘fun’ science really is.  The ancient man in a suit stood talking at people desperately sipping wine and wondering what he’s on about and how it applies to them.  

No.  This is not public engagement.  

If you want to see real public engagement, just take a look at the new Independent SAGE.  This is engagement as it should be.  A process.  One that is part of the debate, not after it.  Not an add on.  An open process that invites people in, and incorporates their views.  Taking them seriously and acting upon them.  There’s nothing frivolous about this kind of engagement.  It’s making our society better.

It’s my hope that one day all of research will behave in this way, with higher education institutions opening the discussions within their walls to all the rich and varied voices just waiting to contribute in our society.  And oh how much better everything will be.