February 28, 2023

expert reaction to poll indicating that people struggle to see the benefits of R&D

The results of a poll by the Campaign for Science and Engineering (CaSE) as part of their Discovery Decade project have been published on their website.

Prof Ed Hill, Chief Executive of the National Oceanography Centre (NOC), said:

“The [CASE] opinion poll reveals many positive messages about the value of Research and Development along with a wake-up call about the priority concerns of the less well-off socio-economic groupings and the young. Regarding Britain’s place in the world, the public seems to have a good feel for what matters in research, seeing it as an internationally collaborative endeavour, more than a prestige power game”

Dr Catriona Manville, Research Policy Director, Association of Medical Research Charities (AMRC), said:

“It is great to see charities highlighted as trusted messengers of R&D. Their role in addressing patient priorities puts them in the centre of the research ecosystem. Given the huge financial contribution from medical research charities, who have invested over £15 billion in the last decade, it is concerning to see that there is little to no recognition from the public about the contribution to R&D made by charities. We will continue to champion the role of charities and work with others across the sector to continue to make the case for R&D.”

Katherine Mathieson, Director, Royal Institution, said:

“The UK has an enviable track record in pioneering science engagement, conveying research excellence in the lab and impact in society, yet these latest findings reveal how fragile public support for research might be. So we must continue to engage and involve the public in harvesting the benefits to society that research offers.

“The best ambassadors for research are the researchers. And at the heart of this report lies the importance of scientists and the public exploring and developing science together.”

Prof Dame Ottoline Leyser FRS, Chief Executive, UKRI, said:

“The Discovery Decade project is doing crucial work at a crucial time, and I am delighted to see the report published today. We have the opportunity, post-pandemic, to build an inclusive innovation-led economy to which everyone can contribute and from which everyone benefits.

“Research and innovation connect discovery to prosperity and public good, enriching lives and fuelling high-productivity businesses and public services with high-quality jobs across the UK. For success, research and innovation must be a shared endeavour, bringing people together to turn the many challenges we face into opportunities, from healthy aging to the climate crisis. The survey results published today provide important insights into how this can best be achieved.”

Dr Mark Downs, Chief Executive, Royal Society of Biology (RSB), said:

“This report provides a rich source of insight for building stronger engagement between the scientific community and the public. It helps to identify where we need to deepen trust and demonstrate more tangibly the value of scientific research, development and innovation for the benefit of our society. I am sure this report’s influence will be substantial – we cannot afford to ignore these findings.”

Stian Westlake, Chief Executive, Royal Statistical Society said:

“R&D and innovation are crucial to the prosperity of the UK. We are very fortunate that there is currently significant political consensus on the need to invest in and support R&D. But this consensus relies on a strong case being made to the public on how R&D can improve their lives. CASE’s research will be invaluable in helping policymakers understand what the public values when it comes to R&D, and shaping policy and communications to be more resonant and effective. This research is also an important reminder that researchers (not just politicians) have a vital role to play in talking to the public about the benefits of research and innovation.”

The results of CaSE’s public polling for their Discovery Decade project was published online on their website at 00:01 UK time Tuesday 28^th February 2023.

Declared interests

The nature of this story means everyone quoted above could be perceived to have a stake in it. As such, our policy is not to ask for interests to be declared – instead, they are implicit in each person’s affiliation.