An international conference on the role of the University in the management of the relationship between science and society officially introduces Agorà Scienza, the new centre for the diffusion and communication of science. The conference, to be held in September, 15 and 16, in Turin, will involve sociologists, science communication experts, scientific journalists and politicians…
The dynamic development of genome research raises fundamental ethical and social questions concerning its implications for our societies, a fact which equally applies to other emerging technosciences such as nanotechnology or “converging technologies”. Over the past decades, methods have been developed to reflexively engage with the implications of new technoscientific knowledge for social order. Ethical…
In recent times, the debate on the research agenda has been practically monopolized by the issue of embryo stem cell research, which is a matter of indubitable importance – symbolic as well – but risks distracting attention from the broader context of the priorities and goals of European research. Over the next seven years, these…
Are Italians and Europeans really sceptical towards Biotechnology? How have the media contributed to configure a distinction between red and green biotech? How can scientific expertise and public participation be integrated with regard to issues like biotechnologies? Biotech is an emblematic case of the recent – and not rarely overwhelming – transformations investing scientific research…
The Observa Science in Society Monitor on Superquark again. As in 2005, this year again the Rai Uno Science tv programme Superquark features results of Observa’s surveys on Italians attitudes and opinions towards science, research and technology innovation. On the 13th of July, Italian research policies issues and brain drain will be discussed from the…
Nuclear energy, Gmos, stem cells: the more science advances, the more society seems to make resistance. On an almost daily basis, we witness protests against the commercialization of transgenic food, rallies against radioactive waste facilities, heated debates on embryo stem cells research and euthanasia. Are we really facing a radical clash between science and society?…
Nuclear energy, Gmos, stem cells: the more science advances, the more society seems to make resistance. On an almost daily basis, we witness protests against the commercialization of transgenic food, rallies against radioactive waste facilities, heated debates on embryo stem cells research and euthanasia. Are we really facing a radical clash between science and society?…
The production of science knowledge is doubling every seven years. As it expands, science splinters into new and unimagined strands. No one can keep up. How can any ordinary citizens play a meaningful part in discussions on their future, in the face of this explosion of knowledge? Is it any surprise the public daily grows…