Scientific and technologic development has been experiencing and generating important changes in the last decades. These changes can be described using four main arguments. First, it is the confirmation of an increasing loss of confidence of political and social actors in the unlimited strength of science. Second, it is the growing recognition of the importance of science for economic and social development. Third, it is the confirmation of the close relationships between science and technology. And finally, it is the increasing demand by citizens for more space to participate in public and private decision making when scientific developments and technological options are involved. This last reality is closely linked to the fact that citizens are both users and consumersof science and technology.

In the search of a better understanding of scientific culture, and of a development of useful indicators, the Research Unit on Scientific Culture take part, or has taken part on several research projects.

Scientific consciousness: translation of perception into action (FCT-2013-6532)