What CaSE has learned from a public dialogue exploring society’s stake in R&D 

CaSE chose to focus this project on public involvement because we believe that increasing such opportunities will bring many benefits – for research, R&D organisations and the public.

It will help identify new research questions, bring fresh perspectives, challenge norms, motivate researchers and open up more funding opportunities. The public will be brought closer to the research system, developing skills and strengthening their emotional connection to R&D. This in turn can help to form the basis for sustained public and political support for the R&D community’s work.  

The R&D sector won’t be alone in seeking to increase public participation in our work. In his first speech to the country as newly elected prime minister, Sir Keir Starmer recognised low levels of public trust in institutions and political leaders, and that action needs to be taken. One way to do this is through increased democratic engagement, and many organisations are pushing to embed these methods more consistently into the UK’s policymaking mechanisms.  

It is true that public trust in scientists remains high – but CaSE’s public opinion research has consistently shown that many people don’t feel a strong connection to R&D. We must work harder to move the public’s connection away from a sense of arm’s length approval towards a stronger relationship with the people, processes and places that make the R&D system what it is. 

Building from the People’s Principles developed by participants, CaSE has set out steps our sector can take to further embed involvement as one route to a stronger, long-lasting relationship with the public.

The participants’ insights throughout this project, and the People’s Principles they developed, have provoked discussions in our team, and we hope the results do the same within yours. We know that collaboration is vital if we are to put these ideas into practice and we are looking forward to working with others to do so.