Integration of Society and Science

Integrating society and science is essential for fostering a well-informed public that can engage with and benefit from scientific advancements. This integration ensures that scientific knowledge and technological innovations are accessible and comprehensible to the general public, enabling individuals to make informed decisions in their daily lives. For instance, understanding basic scientific principles can help people make better health choices, such as understanding the benefits of vaccinations or the importance of a balanced diet. Moreover, this integration encourages public participation in scientific discourse, allowing for a more democratic process where societal needs and values shape scientific research and its applications, thereby building two major factors: Scientific Literacy (SL) and Critical Thinking (CT) (Vieira & Tenreiro-Vieira, 2016). By embedding scientific literacy within society, we cultivate a culture that not only appreciates but also citizens who critically engages with science, leading to more robust and socially relevant scientific endeavors (Lee & Roth, 2003). This section provides an overview of 3 aspects- the need for science in the society, the effects of published and verified data and the consequences of unverified as well as false data.

The Need for Science in the Current Generation

The current generation faces a plethora of complex and interconnected challenges that demand scientific solutions. Issues such as climate change, pandemics, and the rapid pace of technological change require a strong foundation in science and technology to address effectively. Climate science, for example, is crucial for developing strategies to mitigate the effects of global warming and adapt to changing environmental conditions (Abbas et al., 2022). Similarly, advancements in medical science are vital for managing public health crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, through the development of vaccines and treatments (Narayan et al., 2021). Beyond addressing crises, science drives innovation and economic growth, leading to new industries and job opportunities. In an increasingly digital and interconnected world, a strong grounding in science and technology is essential for maintaining competitiveness and fostering sustainable development (Bibri & Krogstie, 2017). Thus, the need for science in the current generation is not just about solving immediate problems but also about building a resilient and forward-looking society.

Benefits of Verified Data from Academia and Institutions

When academia and institutions provide verified data, it fosters trust and reliability in the scientific community and its outputs. Verified data undergoes rigorous peer review and validation processes, ensuring its accuracy and reliability (Balci, 1998; Maruszewski et al., 2005). This trustworthy data is crucial for informed decision-making at all levels, from individual choices to policy formulation. For example, policymakers rely on verified scientific data to create regulations that protect public health and the environment, such as setting air quality standards or approving safe pharmaceuticals. Wagner (2003) and Jasanoff (2011) elaborates on the growing need of the general public to understand the type of legal reforms implemented and the use and misuse of each technology versus government intention and hence, the need for objectivity as well as regulation when it comes to science and policymaking. Businesses use accurate data to innovate and improve products, leading to economic growth and improved consumer safety. Furthermore, verified data supports education by providing students with a solid foundation of knowledge that is essential for developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The presence of verification and validation in data for any field of study and application, it could be noticed that this would provided confidence to refer the data since it has been proved to be of higher quality. Overall, the dissemination of verified data enhances societal progress, fostering an environment where science can effectively contribute to the common good.

Consequences of Unverified and False Data

One of the most long-lasting struggles between scientists and the general public is the huge gap between scientific knowledge and the translation from scientific language to simple formations available for all individuals. Amidst this issue, the dissemination of unverified and false data by academia and institutions can have detrimental effects on society. False information can erode public trust in scientific institutions and the validity of scientific research, leading to skepticism and resistance towards essential scientific findings and recommendations (Intermann, 2018). For instance, the spread of misinformation about vaccines has led to vaccine hesitancy, resulting in outbreaks of preventable diseases. This phenomenon has been termed as "Vaccine Hesitancy Outbreaks" (Wiyeh et al., 2018). In the realm of public policy, decisions based on inaccurate data can lead to ineffective or harmful outcomes, such as misallocating resources or failing to address critical issues. Economically, businesses that rely on flawed data may make poor strategic decisions, leading to financial losses and reduced innovation. Moreover, false data hampers scientific progress, as researchers may base their work on incorrect premises, leading to wasted efforts and resources (Benessia et al., 2016). Therefore, ensuring the integrity of data from academic and institutional sources is paramount to maintaining the credibility of science and its beneficial impact on society.

In this section, we include each aspect of scientific communication and its methods along with discussions of current research methods, applications as well as development of skills related to it.

References

Abbass, K., Qasim, M. Z., Song, H., Murshed, M., Mahmood, H., & Younis, I. (2022). A review of the global climate change impacts, adaptation, and sustainable mitigation measures. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 29(28), 42539-42559. 

Bibri, S. E., & Krogstie, J. (2017). On the social shaping dimensions of smart sustainable cities: A study in science, technology, and society. Sustainable Cities and Society, 29, 219-246. 

Intemann, K. (2018). The fight against doubt: How to bridge the gap between scientists and the public. Oxford University Press. 

Jasanoff, S. (2011). The practices of objectivity in regulatory science. Social knowledge in the making, 307, 312-17. 

Lee, S., & Roth, W. M. (2003). Science and the “good citizen”: Community-based scientific literacy. Science, Technology, & Human Values, 28(3), 403-424. 

Maruszewski, B., Lacour-Gayet, F., Monro, J. L., Keogh, B. E., Tobota, Z., & Kansy, A. (2005). An attempt at data verification in the EACTS Congenital Database. European journal of cardio-thoracic surgery, 28(3),  400-404. 

Narayan, K. V., Curran, J. W., & Foege, W. H. (2021). The COVID-19 pandemic as an opportunity to ensure a more successful future for science and public health. JAMA, 325(6), 525-526. 

Vieira, R. M., & Tenreiro-Vieira, C. (2016). Fostering scientific literacy and critical thinking in elementary science education. International Journal of science and mathematics education, 14(4), 659-680. 

Wagner, W. E. (2003). The bad science fiction: reclaiming the debate over the role of science in public health and environmental regulation. Law & Contemp. Probs., 66, 63. 

Wiyeh, A. B., Cooper, S., Nnaji, C. A., & Wiysonge, C. S. (2018). Vaccine hesitancy ‘outbreaks’: using epidemiological modeling of the spread of ideas to understand the effects of vaccine related events on vaccine hesitancy. Expert review of vaccines, 17(12), 1063-1070.