{"id":134188,"date":"2019-04-07T22:47:38","date_gmt":"2019-04-07T20:47:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.myza.co.za\/new-policy-commits-south-africas-scientists-to-public-engagement-are-they-ready-the-conversation\/"},"modified":"2019-04-07T22:47:38","modified_gmt":"2019-04-07T20:47:38","slug":"new-policy-commits-south-africas-scientists-to-public-engagement-are-they-ready-the-conversation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.myza.co.za\/press\/new-policy-commits-south-africas-scientists-to-public-engagement-are-they-ready-the-conversation\/","title":{"rendered":"New policy commits South Africa’s scientists to public engagement. Are they ready? | The Conversation"},"content":{"rendered":"

New policy commits South Africa’s scientists to public engagement. Are they ready?<\/a>: <\/p>\n

Professor Greta Dreyer, head of the Gynaecological Oncology Unit at the University of Pretoria, being interviewed by SABC TV.<\/span> Mariki Uitenweerde, Eyescape Photography<\/span><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Around the world, governments are trying to bridge the perceived gap between science \u2013 what is being studied and discovered in universities and research laboratories \u2013 and the public. <\/p>\n

They\u2019re doing this because they see great value in citizens that are scientifically literate and aware. Public support is vital to sustaining important investments in scientific research and innovation. People who are properly informed are also able to make decisions about scientific issues that affect their everyday lives. And, in our post-factual world, policymakers are keen to combat misinformation about science and limit public opposition to new technological advances.<\/p>\n

That is why, among other interventions, most modern governments have national strategies to promote the public communication of science. Some places, like India and China, have even introduced laws that deal with this issue.<\/p>\n

South Africa\u2019s government is the latest to introduce a new policy that confirms its commitment to public science engagement. The document also spells out how science engagement activities will be mandated in future. The new White Paper on Science, Technology and Innovation outlines what\u2019s expected of scientists and research organisations. <\/p>\n

These guidelines can\u2019t be applied overnight. They must be carefully studied and cautiously implemented. The aim should be to encourage and enable scientists to engage effectively and responsibly in meaningful dialogue with South African society, rather than to force their involvement. Care should also be taken to distinguish science communication for the public good from science communication aimed at institutional promotion. <\/p>\n

This White Paper can be an important motivator for scientists who don\u2019t feel equipped to communicate with ordinary audiences, or who worry they don\u2019t have the time to commit to public communication, to develop the necessary skills. It could also help them understand better why public engagement is crucial for good science and an informed, engaged society.<\/p>\n

The White Paper<\/h2>\n

The 2019 White Paper was approved by Cabinet on 13 March 2019. It contains several directives related to science communication. These include:<\/p>\n