Column: The leap forward
By: Sicco de Knecht
Since 1 October, I have had my dream job. As director of the newly established National Expertise Centre for Science & Society (NEWS), I have the privilege of leading a fantastic team committed to strengthening the connection between researchers and society. In recent months, dozens of researchers, communication professionals, and even entire institutions have already come to us for advice and knowledge exchange in the field of science communication and public engagement.
Although each of these conversations was enjoyable and inspiring, there is always that dark cloud looming in the background. After a few ‘prosperous years’, higher education and science are now facing a period of doing more with less. Fortunately, there is a great sense of solidarity and determination in response to the proposed cuts, but at the same time, I also see signs that are less reassuring.
Universities are discontinuing their public engagement programmes, initiatives like science hubs – which collaborate with primary and secondary schools – are in trouble, and vacancies for science communication advisers remain unfilled. Meanwhile, researchers continue writing away at their publications and research proposals. No time for distractions.
It’s a reaction I can fully relate to as a former researcher and policy officer. But I fear it is the wrong one. Because why was this cabinet so quick to cut funding for science? Because it could. The fact is, none of the parties in the negotiations truly stood up for science.
To safeguard the long-term value of science, we should not direct our efforts at The Hague, but at the voter. We need to democratise science, make it work for everyone. Because how can a voter know what science has to offer if they never hear about it? Why would a sceptic reconsider if they’re not taken seriously? Why would you trust someone with your tax money if you’re never engaged in an equal conversation?
Now more than ever, it’s essential that researchers show themselves, speak up, and above all: engage with society. Science is one of the foundations of our democratic society, and citizens have the right to think along with it. Research demonstrably becomes more meaningful and better as a result. So what is there to lose? Take the leap forward and involve them!
Sicco de Knecht is director of the National Expertise Centre for Science & Society
Text: Sicco de Knecht