Issues of science and society have been rising on the academic agenda over the last twenty years. In investigating the knowledges, attitudes and  practices that frame these issues, social researchers have concentrated very largely on public-sector science, studying hospitals, universities, governments and NGOs and their publics. Very little research has been undertaken on the role of private sector institutions in science-society relations, despite the very clear role that businesses play in prominent contemporary concerns in areas such as waste management, energy supply, food quality and drug safety, among many others.

This situation is now changing. Government policy now highlights the importance of science and society issues in bringing new science and technology to the market. Businesses encountering issues of science and society are looking to academics to share knowledge and experience, and social researchers have begun to explore the commercial sector and its contributions to public scientific issues.

This meeting will explore how businesses and academics can bring their different expertise and resources to bear in developing a positive environment for social research on science and society issues in the commercial sector. Firstly, it will present examples of research that is being done in partnership with industry, and provide an opportunity for participants to comment and to make suggestions for future work. Secondly, it will explore the methodological and ethical challenges of social research in a commercial environment, and consider the risks and benefits for businesses and academics.

9.00

Coffee and registration

9.30

Welcome - Professor George Gaskell

9.45

Introduction to ESRC 'Science and Society' programme - Professor Steve Rayner

10.00

Project 1 - 'Using Lay Environmental Knowledge in Industry'

Presentation - Kate Burningham and colleagues, University of Surrey

Response from business panel A [John Dalton, Barrie Clarke, John Fendek,]

Questions

11.00

Coffee

11.15

Project 2 - 'Credibility and the Consumer'

Presentation - Sally Eden, University of Hull

Response from business panel B [Jean Bradbury, Aidan Nelson, Ian Blythe, Anne Weir]

Questions

12.15

Lunch

1.15

Methodology panel - ESRC and RSA project staff - 'What are the problems and opportunities presented by social research in the private sector?'

Questions

2.15

Business panel - [Panels A & B combined] 'What can we gain from social research, and what can we offer?'

Questions

3.15

Coffee

3.30

Summary and conclusions

4.00

Close