Beyond Labels

A 360° Discussion of Foreign, National and Local Policy Issues

Communicating Science

There is increasing concern that the American public’s faith in “science” has declined in recent years. Some people point to the public health experience around COVID-19; others to the divisive political climate and some parties’ disparaging comments about “settled” scientific principles; still others fault our education system.

So that’ll be the subject for October 6:

  • How well does the American public understand the scientific method? Do they understand the process, strengths, and weaknesses?
  • Has trust in science really deteriorated over the last decade?
    • If so, what’s “driving” this?
    • How can it be addressed?
  • Do scientists need to change the way they communicate with the public? Or is there a significant role for intermediaries who “interpret” scientific results for “civilians?”
  • Can the way we currently “operationalize” science (among scientists) be improved? What, if anything, is wrong with the current system? For example:
    • Is the “peer review” process working as it should?
    • Are scientists incentivized to study the “right” things from a societal perspective?
    • Is there a bias in favor is searching for incremental (and less risky) findings vs. risky fundamental research?

Here’s a recent OpEd piece on (sort of) the subject, entitled “Why Young Men Are Losing Faith in Science.”


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