Prestige of Science in Society

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The issue of relations between science and society is quite complex and complicated. To positively affect all segments of society, it is necessary to deal with these relations properly by means of taking appropriate steps and measures. If there is a barrier between science and society – which is the case of Slovakia – it negatively influences researchers who are misunderstood by the society. Once they are not considered to be worthy of appropriate funding, the society cannot expect them to solve its problems on adequate level. Without solid financial resources it is impossible to carry out quality research.  

In Slovakia, there is a huge barrier between science and technology on the one side and the society and economy on the other side, appearing sometimes like animosity or mistrust. Not only general public, but also most of politicians occupying top positions are not aware of the importance of effective state support of R&D for the sake of further social and economic development. On the other side – even people involved in the R&D sector are not completely aware of the importance or even the need to communicate their activity in general.

 

Such situation in Slovakia results in low interest of young generation in scientific career, and also in low social prestige of scientists. As far as to speak about prestige of science similar situation has developed in other EU member states. Also for this reason (to raise the social prestige of Slovak scientists) various R&D grant schemes have been created within the EU Seventh Framework Program for Research and Development to finance special activities in the R&D area – e.g. Researcher`s Night, awarding researchers for their achievement, and R&D publicity build-up.

 

In this area we conduct the following activities:

 

• seminars and lectures on popularization of science within society

• supporting activities such as scientific business to bring science closer to public

• supporting improvement of social prestige of researchers – with special focus on young generation of scientists by announcing various competitions and awards (e.g. granting scholarships to students or young scientists or providing them with financial/material gifts – all sponsored by non-government organizations)

• services in organizing events of the European character, e.g. Researcher`s Night, European Science Week

• services in organizing national events and competitions focused on bringing science closer to public and on lowering the barrier between them