Science concerns everyone

Vetenskap & Allmänhet, VA (Public and Science), is a Swedish association aimed at promoting dialogue and openness between the public – especially the young – and researchers. It endeavours to stimulate greater dialogue around issues that concern people, and to connect these issues to science.

Knowledge and learning are the foundation of our future society. More and more people are continuing their education for longer. The need for expertise is changing and growing. Scientific advances will make the good life, growth and prosperity of tomorrow possible. People are increasingly affected by science. Therefore many more of us must influence how research evolves, what its priorities should be and what ethical values it should embrace.

Listening and involvement

Today, science is discussed mainly in the mass media. It is unusual for the public and researchers to meet face to face, even though everyone is affected by and pays for research. Much effort is directed towards enhancing the quality and quantity of popular science. But there has to be a demand for knowledge. It is therefore as important to listen to people and to get them involved as it is to provide information. Science catches people’s imagination when – and only when – they perceive it as meaningful and relevant, and view it in its proper context.

Laypersons can give scientists new insights, and a better feel for what will spark people’s interest and what they want to know. Many researchers would like more contact with society. Yet direct, mutual exchanges of ideas are rare. A wider variety of democratic discussion forums are needed.

Science’s understanding of the public is just as important as the public’s understanding of science.

Knowledge and understanding

VA wants to stimulate interaction between researchers and people in all segments of society. We want to inspire others, create and catalyse more dialogues and events, and disseminate knowledge about what is happening so that organisers can learn from each other.

VA – Who are we?

VA is based on the broad involvement of organisations, public authorities and institutions, labour confederations, companies, private associations, religious groups and private individuals from across Swedish society. Everyone is welcome to join VA, which is a non-profit association. VA’s activities are supported by the Swedish Ministry of Education and Research, with financing from membership fees and project grants. VA’s offices are housed at the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences (IVA) in Stockholm.