The science-society relationship in Australia: toward responsible innovation - Survey of scientists, researchers and other professionals in the Australian research and innovation system

[摘要] The survey findings presented in this report form part of a broader research project conducted by CSIRO’s Responsible Innovation Future Science Platform in partnership with the Australian National Centre for the Public Awareness of Science (CPAS) at the Australian National University (ANU), and the Australian Academy of Science (AAS). The aim of that broader research project was to elicit and interrogate the perspectives and priorities of scientists, researchers and other professionals working in the Australian research and innovation system about the current state of the science-society relationship and the implications of this for responsible innovation in Australia. In particular, the survey explored the following three themes:•the transparency and openness of the relationship between science and Australian society •the nature of the dialogue between science and society – is it inclusive, timely and meaningful enough?•ethical scientific practice – are current policies and procedures adequate?The key findings of the survey highlight that scientists, researchers and other professionals hold very high expectations of the behaviour and practice of individual scientists/researchers, research delivery agencies and research funding agencies in relation to all three themes. However, their assessment of current practice suggested that for all three themes, there was perceived to be room for improvement at both individual and organisational scales. Overall, the responses indicate that funding decisions are not perceived to be particularly open and transparent, and that science is not perceived to be particularly accessible to the public. Most respondents indicated that scientists and researchers are neither adequately resourced nor supported by their institutions to have meaningful dialogue with the public, but respondents also had high expectations of this occurring throughout the research lifecycle. Finally, following and adhering to ethical principles and procedures was strongly supported, not just for scientists but for funding bodies and science and research delivery agencies. However, this was not only in relation to perceived risky, animal- or human-focused projects but for all research projects, and there was a call for greater focus on what the research is for, who it benefits and who may be (further) marginalised as a result.This report therefore marks only the beginning of a longer conversation about what responsible innovation means in the Australian research and innovation system. The results identify key areas of focus that we might explore as we go about ensuring the ethical and responsible pursuit of science, research and innovation.

[发布日期] 2019-09-03 [发布机构] CSIRO

[学科分类] 地球科学(综合)