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Science communication inquiry

Inquiry

The Science Communication and Engagement Report found that people have a strong desire to know how science affects their daily lives. However 71% of people believe the media sensationalises science, and 67% say they have no option but to trust those governing scientific information. Just 28% believe that journalists check their facts when reporting scientific matters.

In the 2010-15 Parliament, BIS undertook a Science and Society Programme in 2012, published Public understanding of science and engineering and developed a UK Charter for Science and Society. A number of science and research organisations also have public engagement/awareness programmes. Broadcasters also have a role: for example, the BBC Trust reviewed impartiality and accuracy of BBC science coverage in 2011 (PDF 1.04 MB), identifying a need to avoid giving "undue attention to marginal opinion".