Why should the public be involved in science? | ORION Open Science

" “For research to be really impactful, the public has to be involved. They need to understand the research and we need to help to connect the research to what people care about,” says Imran Khan, Head of Public Engagement at Wellcome Trust in the UK, one of the world’s largest research funders. But do the public wish to be involved in science? The German and Swedish Science Barometers, the EU-project ORION Open Science European public attitudes survey and the Wellcome Trust Global Monitor have all asked this question....

After the presentations, the participants discussed in smaller groups why and how the public should be involved in science. They then shared their thoughts both orally and by using an online tool. According to the workshop participants, the public should be involved in science because: 

• Science will have an impact on their lives.
• We need the views of the public.
• Knowledge gives insights and increases trust. It's a base for democracy.
• It can improve quality and broaden perspectives.
• They pay for it!

But how can we interest the public to get involved? Some suggestions from the participants in the workshop included:

• Must depart from their own interest and relevance.
• The wow effect - science is fun!
• Create arenas for connection between researchers and the public.
• Show how research affects society and how you can contribute.
• Make participating fun and giving...."