Science is at the heart of everyday life

Paris, 5 March

The findings of an international omnibus TNS Worldpanel survey about the perception of science and scientific careers among the general public, conducted within the framework of the partnership between the L’Oréal Foundation and UNESCO, were published on 5 March. The verdict of the survey carried out in 10 countries* is clear: science is today recognized almost unanimously as a key issue in society.

What is the Role of Science in Society?
In a society that is becoming increasingly technological, 84% of respondents affirmed that science contributes to the improvement of daily life. The study also outlines the fundamental role that science plays in society – a view that is shared throughout all the countries involved in the study. That said, 69% of respondents think that science represents the unknown, and for half of the population questioned, science is a source of anxiety.

“The study reveals a paradox”, explains Carole Muller, Director of the TNS Consumer Department. “While respondents acknowledge that science is useful, this perception is tempered by a lack of information about science, which gives rise to a certain apprehension about the potential power of the discipline”.

How Do People Feel About Science?
The study highlights differences in the cultural response to science in certain regions around the world. In fact, in southern Europe, scientific careers are perceived as less appealing than in the United States, in South Africa, or in the UK. Accordingly, 60% of individuals in the UK and America are inspired by a career in science, compared to only 44% of Italians. Careers in science are similarly perceived as rewarding for 60% of Americans and 60% of Mexicans, compared to only 20% of people in France.

Culture and national identities also play an important role in shaping women’s motivation for taking up a career in science: in the United States, salary is cited as the primary motivation to pursue science (35%), whereas in Europe, scientific careers are perceived as less lucrative (with financial motivation representing only 9% in Italy, 16% in Spain and 18% in France). In these countries the motivation is geared more towards the intellectual challenge (56% in Italy, 52% in Spain and 51% in France).

Science: A Career for the Future?
In all countries surveyed, scientific careers are considered difficult (45% in France, 40% in Spain, and 54% in China). Nonetheless, science is perceived as synonymous with the future, as 69% of respondents would encourage their children to pursue scientific careers (78% in China, 71% in Spain, and 80% in Mexico).

“This study reflects the importance of science in our societies. Perceived as difficult, the discipline needs more exposure, more accessibility, and needs role models to bring it to life,” concludes Carole Muller, TNS Department Director.

For the L’Oréal Foundation and UNESCO, this reinforces their commitment to provide scientific role models and to encourage careers in the field, through the For Women in Science programme, initiated in 1998.

*The survey polled approximately 10,000 individuals in 10 countries around the world: China, Dubai, France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Mexico, South Africa, Spain, and the USA.

• Author(s):Press Release N°2009-20
• Source:UNESCOPRESS
• 05-03-2009