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Researcher Name: Nicola J. Marks Affiliated Staff: Supervisor: Dr Sarah Parry Project Start Date: 01.09.2003 Project End Date: 01.08.2007 Contact Details: Nicola is now a Lecturer in Science and Technology Studies at the University of Wollongong, Australia. nicola_marks@uow.edu.au Funder: Medical Research Council (MRC) Background: There are many concerns about a potential 'crisis of trust' between science and society, and calls have been made to develop and improve public engagement in science. This project examined scientists' views and understandings of public engagement. It focussed on the case of stem cell research, a field of science often in the public eye, and explored how these scientists make sense of and talk about their work. Aims and Objectives: Much research in the field of Science and Technology Studies has been conducted on lay views of science and on lay experiences of public engagement. Given the many challenges that have been levied against the lay-expert dichotomy, and the critiques of the power given to ‘expert’ voices in public fora, this thesis sought to examine those people traditionally given the role of ‘expert’. It investigated professionals’ socially located views on science and experiences of public engagement. It aimed to identify ways of working towards improved science-public relations. Research Methods: Drawing on a critical public understanding of science (cPUS) approach, this research was conducted using qualitative methods. In depth interviews and groups discussions were organised with 54 stem cell researchers, in two countries (the UK and Australia). Multiple voices were accessed (including dominant and marginal ones) by interviewing researchers that were senior as well as junior, media savvy as well as shy and working in embryonic and in adult stem cell research. Using discourse as a ‘topic’ and a ‘resource’, the thesis explored in detail the definitions and boundaries created in stem cell research. Key Findings: This project highlights the conceptual fluidity of stem cell research and therefore that it is difficult for scientists as well as members of the public to agree on what a stem cell ‘really’ is or what stem cell research should ‘really’ be about. It shows that scientists have multiple views and understandings of their research, its place in society and its possible futures. Scientist voice various concerns, similar to those expressed by members of the public, over areas such as: clinical trials, informed consent, commercialisation and internationalisation, and the run-away nature of research. This research also identifies different ways in which scientists conceptualise the relation between science and society, and therefore different possible models of scientific citizenship. One key suggestion is for society as a whole, and scientific institutions in particular, to become more ‘reflexive’; that is to become more explicitly aware of social location of science and create space for scientists and others to voice their concerns. Wider implications for policy: This project suggests the need for policy inquiries and other public engagement activities to enable multiple voices to be heard: concerns should not simply be voiced in terms of risk-benefit analyses. Rather, there should be opportunities for people to articulate views which acknowledge the social and cultural nature of research. Project Update: Publications: External Links: Further information:
Nicola is now a Lecturer in Science and Technology Studies at the University of Wollongong, Australia.
nicola_marks@uow.edu.au
Drawing on a critical public understanding of science (cPUS) approach, this research was conducted using qualitative methods. In depth interviews and groups discussions were organised with 54 stem cell researchers, in two countries (the UK and Australia).
Multiple voices were accessed (including dominant and marginal ones) by interviewing researchers that were senior as well as junior, media savvy as well as shy and working in embryonic and in adult stem cell research. Using discourse as a ‘topic’ and a ‘resource’, the thesis explored in detail the definitions and boundaries created in stem cell research.
This project highlights the conceptual fluidity of stem cell research and therefore that it is difficult for scientists as well as members of the public to agree on what a stem cell ‘really’ is or what stem cell research should ‘really’ be about.
It shows that scientists have multiple views and understandings of their research, its place in society and its possible futures. Scientist voice various concerns, similar to those expressed by members of the public, over areas such as: clinical trials, informed consent, commercialisation and internationalisation, and the run-away nature of research.
This research also identifies different ways in which scientists conceptualise the relation between science and society, and therefore different possible models of scientific citizenship.
One key suggestion is for society as a whole, and scientific institutions in particular, to become more ‘reflexive’; that is to become more explicitly aware of social location of science and create space for scientists and others to voice their concerns.
This project suggests the need for policy inquiries and other public engagement activities to enable multiple voices to be heard: concerns should not simply be voiced in terms of risk-benefit analyses.
Rather, there should be opportunities for people to articulate views which acknowledge the social and cultural nature of research.
