SCIENCE AND THE PUBLIC - THE GERMAN SITUATION

The various tensions between scientific research and the public are fu lly discussed, taking as examples nuclear energy, gene technology and animal experiments. More than ever before, the public is emotionally i nvolved in the results of scientific research, based on often prejudic ed publicity by interested groups. As a result politicians see themsel ves forced to introduce legislation which hinders original research an d may prevent important discoveries. It is concluded that it is not th e duty of scientists but principally that of politicians to find out a bout relevant research results and their potential impact on society a nd to commit themselves to future oriented research objectives. These should evoke a proper public understanding of science.