The latest report from the Observa’s Science in Society Monitor, in collaboration with Tuttoscienzetecnologia of La Stampa, Superquark and Quark The majority of Italians are sceptical about nuclear energy, but the number of those in favour is on the increase. Even among Italians opposed to nuclear power, there is widespread concern about Italy’s energy resources…
Which are the most dangerous habits and which fenomena represent a greater menace for our health? The preview of the new survey carried out by Observa – Science in Society published on the Italian magazine Panorama last 22 September, reveals that 51% of the Italians believe that smoking is the worst habit; but just 4,7%…
For the sociologist Helga Nowotny, Professor at Zurich University, expert on relations between science and society and President of the European Research Advisory Board (EURAB), scientists should no longer expect unconditional public support or an uncritical acceptance of their authority. She also believes that ‘healthy’ scientific communication must be wary of ‘media excesses’ and not…
STS Italia, the Italian Society for Social Studies on Science and Technology, is a newborn non-profit association that aims to promote social studies on science and technology in Italy and Europe. STS Italia Mission is to become a scientific reference for anyone interested in science- and technology social studies, science communication, as well as social…
The latest report from the Osservatorio Scienza e Società di Observa, in collaboration with Tuttoscienzetecnologia of La Stampa, Superquark and Quark By Giuseppe Pellegrini As winter approaches, again looming on the public horizon is one of the most feared of urban problems: air pollution. During the winter months of last year, exposure to polluting agents…
On 14-15 November, the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Research hosted the second “Communicating European Research” conference. The event focused on the manifold aspects of science communication and provided an excellent forum and meeting place for scientists, communication professionals and journalists. The conference also took stock of the progress towards the Seventh Framework Programme. Promoting successful…
Does public access to genetic data mean more safety for citizens? Such a delicate issue is animating the public debate setting community needs against individual privacy. Observa- Science in Society, in cooperation with the National Committee for Biosafety and Biotechnology, is carrying out a survey on public perceptions and attitudes towards the use of genetic…
“BIOpop” results of the combination of the words “BIOthechnology” and “POPular”: the name of this European project refers to its aim of bringing Science from the laboratories into the streets. Being aware of the need of citizens to know more about Science, which increasingly influences their lives, the intention of the young European Biotechnology researchers…
There is no doubt that the Nobel Prize has helped decisively to shape the public image of science over the past hundred years. For a large part of the general public, the award of a Nobel Prize – especially to a fellow-countryman – is a significant occasion for contact with science and the scientific enterprise.…