DEMOS

In 2004, Demos published See-through Science, which argues that public engagement needs to move ‘upstream’, to an earlier stage in scientific research.

Through a subsequent series of reports, we have explored the changing relationship between science, democracy, ethics and globalisation:

In The Public Value of Science (2005), we argue that social and ethical deliberation should become central to the culture and practice of science;

In Better Humans? (2006), we outline the political and ethical challenges posed by advances in biotechnologies and neuroscience;

In Governing at the Nanoscale (2006), we present the findings of detailed research with scientists, policymakers and the public into their expectations, hopes and concerns about nanotechnologies;

In The Slow Race (2006). we extend these debates to the developing world, and argue for a new emphasis on citizen participation in science and technology decision-making.

By working with government departments, research councils, companies and NGOs, we are trying to develop new thinking about the place of science and technology in society.

Our current projects include:

NanoDialogues: experiments in upstream public engagement

Funded by the Office of Science and Technology’s ‘ScienceWise’ programme, Demos is facilitating a series of practical experiments in public engagement, designed to inform decision-making around nanotechnologies. The first experiment involves a regulator (The Environment Agency), the second involves two research councils (BBSRC & EPSRC), the third involves an NGO (Practical Action), and the final one a company (Unilever).

The Atlas of Ideas: China, India and the new geography of science

Across the world of science, the boundaries are being redrawn. Countries such as China, India and South Korea are dramatically increasing their capabilities for scientific research. And a gradual process of ‘offshore innovation’ is underway, as multinational R&D begins to flow to new locations.  This two-year project, carried out in partnership with the Foreign Office and a consortium of partners, will analyse trends in science and innovation in Asia, and identify new opportunities for international collaboration.

For more information about our science and innovation programme, please contact:

James Wilsdon, Head of Science & Innovation

Jack Stilgoe, Senior Researcher

Molly Webb, Researcher