EOAR SEMINAR, AUGUST 2023
WHAT GOOD IS THE PUBLIC GOOD IN CONVERSATIONS ABOUT SCIENCE?
Prof Sujatha Raman (Australian National Centre for the Public Awareness of Science, Australian National University)
How should we conceptualise the public good in conversations involving scientific and technological research today? In this talk, I’ll first explore why we need to be thinking about this question in light of a renewed interest amongst leading science academies and spokespersons in science as a public good. While this formulation has been helpful for defending public sector science, I will argue that it rests on an economic concept of public good which is insufficient for communication and engagement at the interface of science, society and public policy. Drawing on social and political research, I’ll then outline alternative ways in which people talk about public good and conclude with some reflections on their implications for science and emerging technologies.
When: Wednesday, 23rd August 2023, 1-2 PM (ACST)
Where: Online. Please RSVP to openstemcells@adelaide.edu.au
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Prof Sujatha Raman is a Professor and Director of Research at the Australian National Centre for Public Awareness of Science (CPAS) at the Australian National University. She currently leads the UNESCO Chair in Science Communication for the Public Good. Trained in science and technology studies (STS), she is exploring the contribution that science communication research and practice can make to science, technology and innovation in the public good.