The task of scientists is to search, to learn, and to teach. Science is a product of and for society, and it's a researcher's task not only to understand, but also to communicate knowledge - to make it accessible to everybody.
“You do not really understand something unless you can explain it to your grandmother.” ~ Albert Einstein
Sharing the excitement of working at the forefront of research serves as an inspiration for both other scientists and laymen, and upholds the scientist's role as an important part of society.
Scientific insights often take a long time to be appreciated and incorporated into the institutions that govern our lives. This unfortunate delay is partially due to a lack of communication between researchers in natural and social science, that we address with our interdisciplinary research. But in addition, the gap between recent academic research and the public knowledge presents another obstacle for progress. Whereas academia needs to be reminded of society's interests, the public needs to be informed about the scientific adventure.
Science is often a matter of dispute and disagreement, yet science today is usually presented in the form of a final conclusion, rather than as the process of its becoming. It is a mistake to believe the public cannot cope with disagreeing opinions when they are presented accordingly. Science is a process, not a finished product - it is a living endeavor, not a dusty schoolbook. Science is done by researchers, struggling, doubting, stumbling, striving to understand, trying to find their place - our place, in a confusing and difficult world.
Science is the news that we have, the stories we can tell, and we should tell them.
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Last Updated ( Friday, 25 July 2008 )
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