Why Communicate?

Part of a Healthy Environment for R&D;

Why should you communicate with the public? As a scientist or engineer, you are in a privileged position to see how advanced knowledge benefits Canadians by:

• maintaining and enhancing our standard of living
• improving our quality of life
• contributing to humankind's understanding of the world around us.

Reporting to the "Shareholders"

The vast majority of Canadians have no idea how university researchers use their tax dollars. They count on the research community to spend their dollars wisely. However, taxpayers are increasingly demanding accountability from government and publicly funded institutions. Communications is one way researchers can demonstrate accountability. Just as corporations issue annual reports to shareholders, the science and engineering research community has a responsibility to inform society about how it is spending public money.

Contribute to Society's Understanding of Science

Canada's future prosperity will depend on our ability to foster a scientifically-literate population and workforce. The country will continue to need scientists and engineers. But we will also require scientifically trained managers and a workforce that can adapt to rapid technological change. Public understanding of scientific and technical issues will also be critical in solving many difficult problems facing society.

Researchers are in an excellent position to improve public awareness of science-related issues and to inspire young people with an interest in science and engineering.

Build Links With Other Sectors

Communications may also bring you and your research interests to the attention of prospective partners in other sectors. Closer links among universities, industry and government labs translates into more opportunities for researchers, better job prospects for graduates, and a stronger and more competitive industrial sector.

Improve Credibility of Engineering and Science

People today are concerned about the social consequences of science and technology - especially environmental impacts. Many want unqualified assurances of the benefits of new technology. These are just the sort of assurances reputable scientists are unable to give. At the same time, the public is applying higher standards of behaviour to individuals in positions of authority. Engineers and scientists are not exempt. People hear that many scientists have conflicts of interest and want to know how this affects their scientific opinions.

Like it or not, scientists and the scientific enterprise are being challenged. All engineers and scientists have a responsibility to discuss what they do and why it is important to society.

Build Acceptance for Science

Many researchers are working on scientific or technological problems - genetics and reproductive issues, for example - that impose social and ethical choices on society. Other scientists and engineers are involved in enterprises that may result in fundamental and wide-reaching changes that will disrupt many people's lives.

Change is part of modern life and criticism is an inevitable outcome of change. We need to begin now to build acceptance and support for research activities to withstand criticism in the future.

Secure Support for Future Funding

Securing funding for research is an annual battle. Political leaders are besieged by competing interests. Governments are living on borrowed money and find it increasingly difficult to make investments in our economic and social well-being, especially when the benefits are seen to be far off. Consistent support from ordinary Canadians and their elected representatives is essential to the success of the research enterprise.