Scientists Play a Vital Role in Sharing Knowledge with Society
In today’s ever-changing world, scientific research leads to new innovations every day. Science is crucial for societal development and progress, as it allows us to understand the world, develop technologies, solve problems, and improve our quality of life. However, we often fail to fully grasp the specific ways in which science impacts us.
Although we recognize that science has influence, we struggle to pinpoint exactly how it affects us.
The impact of science is often intangible and not immediately obvious in our daily lives. The knowledge created by scientists, which is used to create new products and services, is embedded in the things we use every day, but we seldom reflect on how they came to be. Technological and non-technological innovations, such as the digital environment, new treatment methods, and transportation navigation systems, have all emerged from scientific research. Science also helps us identify important social issues, develop new forms of creativity, implement innovations effectively, and promote sustainability. Additionally, it plays a significant role in economic development by fostering new business ideas and technological advancements. Science’s influence extends to our environment, society, and cultural spheres, even if we don’t always notice it. This paradox contributes to the general perception of science worldwide, including in Latvian society. While people acknowledge the importance of science in abstract terms, they struggle to provide specific examples of scientists or their achievements. Although we understand that science has an impact on us, we find it difficult to articulate exactly how this impact manifests.
The interaction between society and science is crucial.
To enhance our understanding of scientific processes, it is important to promote interaction between scientists and society at large, without the mediation of producers who transform scientific knowledge into products. Scientists accumulate new knowledge to share it with society, making direct communication essential. According to a survey conducted in 2022, 77% of the respondents had engaged in activities related to science consumption and participation in the past year. This includes activities such as watching science-related videos, searching for scientific information, or acquiring new knowledge and skills. However, this is just the beginning. If we want society to trust scientists’ opinions in critical situations that require decision-making, such as the decision to vaccinate or not against Covid-19, we need to continue explaining scientific processes and promoting direct communication. In an era where information is readily available to everyone, we can no longer expect people to automatically trust scientists’ information. Building trust and understanding of scientific processes within society is essential.
It is worth acknowledging that the language of science is different from everyday communication, and scientists need to translate it into understandable forms for the general public. This requires additional effort and skills from scientists, but it is necessary for their research and achievements to be comprehensible and accessible.
Digital literacy and internet access are crucial for acquiring new knowledge.
In today’s digital world, the internet offers a wealth of information and the opportunity to learn about scientific discoveries. The Covid-19 pandemic has intensified people’s interest in scientific issues, such as vaccines and the origin of the virus, as more individuals spent time online seeking information, working, and learning from home. However, this reliance on digital technologies presents a new challenge: the need for critical thinking and information selection skills. Emerging technologies like artificial intelligence also complicate our ability to discern reliable information from misinformation. As we continue to use digital technologies, we must be aware of how to navigate and understand the risks they present.
Furthermore, the digital environment can create inequalities, as those with limited internet access or low digital literacy may struggle to obtain information about scientific discoveries. This can hinder understanding of various issues and have long-term impacts on overall well-being and awareness of rights. Achieving the benefits of digital technologies requires expanding access and ensuring knowledge equity in society.
Explanatory work is needed to attract new scientists.
Public perception of different professions is influenced by their prestige and stereotypes, shaping career choices. The same applies to science and related fields, where individuals’ knowledge of what being a scientist entails determines their career aspirations. Thus, the interaction between society and science is crucial. Dispelling misconceptions about the profession and discussing the significance of scientific work can help generate support and understanding of science’s importance in our daily lives. Involving scientists in the public sphere can foster interest in and appreciation for the role of science. Additionally, public science initiatives that allow individuals to participate in data collection or collaborate with scientists to address societal needs can make science more inclusive. Opening up the world of science can help society understand its value and appreciate its role.
In conclusion, scientists play a vital role in accumulating new knowledge and sharing it with society. Science’s impact extends to various aspects of our lives, from technological advancements to identifying and addressing social issues. To enhance this impact, it is essential to promote interaction between scientists and society, improve digital literacy and access, and dispel misconceptions about the scientific profession. Through these efforts, we can build trust, understanding, and appreciation for the value of science in society.
