Brussels, 14/11/2013 (Agence Europe) - Three Europeans out of four consider that science and technology have a positive influence on society. The same proportion of individuals also finds that the results of innovation may have unforeseeable and harmful consequences on health and the environment. These ambiguous findings, being a blend of enthusiasm and distrust, were published on Thursday 14 November by the European Commission further to a Eurobarometer survey carried out between 26 April and 14 May 2013 among 27,563 respondents within the EU.
These mixed sentiments towards scientific research were underlined by Maire Geoghegan-Quinn, Innovation Commissioner, who said: “The results of this survey show that Europeans support the role of science and technology in society but at the same time expect scientists and politicians to ensure that their values and concerns are taken into account”. The next framework programme for research and innovation (Horizon 2020) aims to take this into account, she said. This will be done by creating a research group “in the coming months” to take into consideration such opinions in the choice of Horizon 2020 priorities.
The survey was very far reaching and its results provide a multitude of results, on varied topics. Findings show in particular that: 53% are interested in scientific and technological progress; 58% consider they are not kept sufficiently informed; 65% get their information from television; and 65% believe that their governments do not do enough to foster young people's interest in science. (JK/transl.jl)