Newsletter subscription

E-mail address:

Testimonials

Drs. Anne-Marie Poorthuis

"Knowledge Democracy implies the accessibility of knowledge for everybody involved, will repeatedly ...


Hanns-J. Neubert


Public Science Debates

In the run-up of the German parliamentary elections, one of the two German Science Journalists' associations, the German Science Writers TELI (http://www.teli.de), founding member of the European Union of Science Journalists' Association EUSJA (http://www.eusja.org), started a public science debate (http://teli.de/blog/), following a successful model of US authors, film makers and science journalists (http://www.sciencedebate2008.com). The US science debate has not only changed the priority of research and science in the Obama administration, but also rose the esteem of science in the US public.

Science and technology are of utmost importance in modern democracies, but seem not to be very transparent to those who pay for them. Public debates focus on real debates between science, the public and politicians about the targets of science and decisions made for the progression of science. They shall facilitate the real participation of the public in democratic societies in scientific issues. The media, i.e. the science journalists, focus in this case on one of their roles, which is the role of an independent mediator. Thus the media can contribute to a responsible and not only a responsive participation.

Due to the lack of adequate education on all levels in many, if not most, societies, a democratic process with regard to participate in shaping the future through participation in scientific issues is still not existing. However, the free basic science, which is a prerequisite of all further research and technology, is a kind of democratic process in itself, but restricted to the scientific community. Science debates may introduce some more transparency into this process and thus build bridges. A challenge remains: To overcome the barriers of insufficient education.

The current status of the German Science Debate as of end of August will be reported. If successful in Germany, EUSJA will transfer the tool of science debates to all European states through its national member associations.

An initiative of

RMNO

Organised by RMNO, in co-operation with

Ministry of Housing, Spatial Planning and the Environment (VROM) Ministery of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality (LNV) Ministery of Education, Culture and Science (OCW) Ministery of Transport, Public Works and Water Management (VenW) Dutch Office for the Senior Civil Service (ABD)
The EEAC network is a unique collaboration between the councils set up by European governments to provide independent and scientifically based advice on the environment and sustainable development. The network is a powerful tool for sharing information and experience across Europe.
The aim of the WRR is to advise the government about future developments of great public interest using a scientific approach. The government can use these advisory opinions in order to readjust existing policy, or to develop new policy or as support for decision making. The Council also tries to stimulate scientific debate. In this way, the WRR forms a bridge between scientific expertise and policy.
Leiden University (UL) is the oldest university in the Netherlands. The three guiding principles of the University are: 1. an international orientation, 2. the research-intensive character of the University and 3. maintaining the quality of education and research.
The Rathenau Institute is an independent organization that concerns itself with issues on the interface between science, technology and society, and that provides politicians with timely and well-considered  information.
As the forum, conscience, and voice of the arts and sciences in the Netherlands, the Academy (KNAW) promotes the quality of scientific and scholarly work and strives to ensure that Dutch scholars and scientists make the best possible contribution to the cultural, social, and economic development of Dutch society.
TransForum is an innovation programme that aims to provide a more sustainable perspective for the Dutch agro-sector and green spaces by searching for and experimenting with new value propositions. 
Situated at what has traditionally been an important junction where waterways and roads cross stands a city that will enchant you: Leiden. The city is famous for its almshouses, university, museums and glorious history. The spirit of the Golden Age lives on here, a place where Rembrandt was born and inspired so many other influential painters. But even after this era Leiden continued to attract scientists, artists and industry. Meet Leiden, Key to Discovery.
The European Environment Agency (EEA) is an agency of the European Union. Our task is to provide sound, independent information on the environment. We are a major information source for those involved in developing, adopting, implementing and evaluating environmental policy, and also the general public. Currently, the EEA has 32 member countries.
ScienceGuide.nl is the leading online magazine for the Dutch knowledge sector. With news, backgrounds, discussion and thematic platforms it serves to strengthen the interest in and the dialogue about the value of higher education, R&D and their contribution to society.
The Council for Public Administration (Rob) advises on the structure and functioning of the government. The aim is to improve effectiveness and efficiency. The Rob devotes particular attention to the basic principles of the democratic rule of law.
The European Commission (EC) embodies and upholds the general interest of the Union and is the driving force in the Union's institutional system. Its four main roles are to propose legislation to Parliament and the Council, to administer and implement Community policies, to enforce Community law (jointly with the Court of Justice) and to negotiate international agreements, mainly those relating to trade and cooperation.
The Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO) funds thousands of top researchers at universities and institutes and steers the course of Dutch science by means of subsidies and research programmes.
powered by remotion