The Future of Science and Technology is in Your Hands

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The Future of Science and Technology is in Your Hands

A new programme called Sciencehorizons, sponsored by the UK government, plans to open up communication between the public, the scientists and the policy makers. Sciencehorizons encourages people to talk about their hopes and fears for technologies of the future, and will pass on their views directly back to the government. What this means is that you yourself can help shape the future of science policy today.

This exciting new scheme has just been launched, and the public is encouraged to download so called 'discussion packs' from the official website at Sciencehorizons. The Science and Innovation Minister Malcolm Wicks said that he wants everyone, and not just the scientists to participate in this programme and share their views.

Debates generated by the 'discussion packs' will be recorded and passed on to the government in autumn. The results of these talks will then be used to shape future science and technology policy. The programme is funded by the Department for Trade and Industry and hopes to promote and facilitate better communications between the government and the people. "The exciting new Sciencehorizons project will help us learn what people think about the future of science and enable the scientific community to hear and respond to both their hopes and concerns for the future" said Martin Earwicker, the director of Science Museum who also heads the project.

The Internet has so far been a great catalyst in stimulating public debate about technology, science and world affairs and today, more and more blogs and virtual communities are springing up all over the world that allow all members of the public to participate in discussion and make their views heard. Sites like Scienceblog and Praetorium are giving ordinary people the chance to express their hopes and fears, and now, with the help of new initiates like Sciencehorizons, these views may play a part in ultimately shaping our own future.

By Peter Renwick