Science is a topic that is very “in vogue” in the media these days. Stories of Nuttgate, the Hadron Collider and the MMR vaccine were amongst the biggest stories of 2009. However, science in the media has been said “to be in rude health”, according to Fiona Fox of the Science and Media Expert Group. The BBC is doing their bit towards trying to correct this, as their third Impartiality Review will focus on the accuracy and impartiality of its science reporting. Richard Tait, the company’s Chair of the Trust's Editorial Standards Committee, said “the BBC has a well-earned reputation for the quality of its science reporting, but it is also important that we look at it afresh to ensure that it is adhering to the very high standards that licence fee payers expect”. Focusing on science is a new turn for the broadcasting giant, as previous reviews have been directed at coverage of business news and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
In support of the scientific theme of the year, Liberal party-leader Nick Clegg announced in a talk to the Royal Society three weeks ago, his views on the importance of science and innovation in re-building the British economy. ”The challenge that faces us is the reinvention of our economy according to new principles. Science, maths, engineering and technology must be at the heart of that project.” Clegg also stressed the need to improve science education in schools, to cultivate “children’s natural curiosity”. He also addressed the imbalance of the female-to-male ratio that exists within the scientific community. As the nation’s most widespread channel of free education, it is likely that BBC’s efforts in 2010 will help in these two areas.
So, what to look out for? Well, you can expect a number of science-focused TV programs, and also look out for country-wide events relating to science. The idea is not just to educate, but also to stir up debates in order to engage the public in decisions about the philosophy, and policy of conducting science. BBC’s Director of Vision Jana Bennett told the Royal Society that the objectives of Year of Science are “to illuminate, celebrate and evaluate science in the 21st Century and how it’s shaped our history and culture”.
Expect to see and hear popular science figures, such as Sir Richard Dawkins for some heated God versus science-debating. Also, keep your eyes peeled for big-name actors such as Brian Cox getting their feet wet in some serious science action in TV shows including Seven Wonders of the Solar System.
However, there’s no need to stay at home, as there’s plenty to get involved with. For example, BBC Radio 4’s Material World programme is launching a competition called So you want to be a scientist? If you’re wondering why chicken soup boils faster fish soup, or you have a dazzling theory on why some people need umbrellas in the drizzle, while others don’t – throw any self-doubt out of the window and enter the competition! After all, “it's not just working scientists who have light bulb moments. Anyone, anywhere can have a brainwave that's worth investigating.”
Who knows, you might even learn something new!
A shortened version of this article was published in Student Direct : Mancunion on Monday 8th of February, 2010 and can be accessed here.
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