Related Topics


Companies




  

Swiss population interested in research

 Send to a friend |   Print |   RSS Feed | 

Published online 21 July 2010 | Translated by Sophie Haesen, ACCESS!

According to a survey conducted among 1000 interviewees, the Swiss hold science in high esteem. Most are convinced that research and technology will improve the possibilities of future generations. Many are interested in new research results and would like researchers to inform the public better.

Overall, 69 percent of the more than 1000 interviewees all over Switzerland support scientific research, and 77 percent think that research and technology improve the possibilities of future generations. A majority is also convinced that scientific proficiency is important in their daily lives – and that science is important for the young, because interest in research improves their chances on the job market, makes them better educated and prepares them to become informed citizens.

Not completely convinced of benefits
But the interviewees also hold some reservations against science. 52 percent think that it changes lifestyle too fast. And only 40 percent believe that the advantages of science are greater than its potential harm. 27 percent are convinced of the contrary.

84 percent of the Swiss are very interested or quite interested in new research results, even 89 percent when it comes to medical research. But only 63 percent (medical research: 73 percent) say that they feel well informed, or quite well informed, about scientific discoveries.

More public relations required
In this context, 52 percent think that researchers do not sufficiently inform the public about new developments and results. And 62 percent express the view that researchers cannot be trusted to tell the truth about controversial issues anymore, because more and more of them are being sponsored by industry.

The survey was conducted in February 2010 by the Observatory for Research, Politics and Society of the University of Lausanne. It is a part of the Eurobarometer survey on science and technology that was carried out in 32 countries.

Source: University of Basel

0 comments until now:

Back