SCIENTISTS AND THE BROADER COMMUNITY

This paper describes the results of a survey of 108 environmental scie ntists employed as researchers in academic institutions in Australia. The objectives of the survey were: to gauge these scientists' percepti ons of the political dimension of environmental research; to gauge the nature and extent of their own involvement in environmental politics; and to determine whether or not they believed scientists were adequat ely prepared for such involvement or whether more attention should be given to questions of ethics, politics and the media in the training o f scientists. The survey results indicated a clear recognition on the part of senior environmental researchers of the need for political inv olvement and for a greater emphasis on the preparation of scientists i n such areas as politics, ethics and the media. However, it highlighte d obvious constraints on involvement in political activity and public communication.