Website of the UK government

Science poll

The public was asked what has the most impact in shaping their futures; 26% said science, putting it ahead of politics, family and religion.

When asked to choose which group of people has the most effect on our daily lives, only 3% selected scientists

Backed by government, the science community and celebrities, 'Science [So What? So Everything]' aims to show people how science benefits them in their everyday lives, is crucial in strengthening the UK economy and is vital to meeting some of the major challenges of our time.

The campaign is launched as a new poll shows a high proportion of people have faith in science to make positive changes in the future. Of those polled, 48 per cent said they expected science to find a cure for cancer in the next 30 years with 38 per cent expecting crops that can survive drought becoming a reality over the same period.

Today's launch kicks off with a debate between Cabinet Ministers, celebrities and high profile figures with an interest in science including author Terry Pratchett, businessman James Caan, scientist and presenter Kathy Sykes and actor and comedian Ben Miller. The debate will explore ways in which science can be taken to a wider audience to promote public engagement and understanding.

The campaign will build momentum around a series of events and milestones throughout the year including National Science and Engineering Week in March and regional science festivals.

Science: So what? website

A new website will give access to information, careers advice and events related to science while a small amount of targeted advertising will challenge and encourage people to think again about science and its role in their lives.

The campaign will show that:

• it is our science - central to everything we come into contact with and consume
• it is your science - much of the science that is conducted in the UK is funded by the tax payer or charitable donor
• it pays to invest in science - because it underpins our future prosperity and is integral to finding the solutions to the global and health challenges we face - that is why the government will make a record investment of nearly £6 billion in science this year
• it pays to become a scientist - a science education will open up an even greater wealth of opportunities, can bring better financial rewards and will help build the Britain of the future

Science Minister Lord Drayson said: "Britain is a world-leader in science, second only to the United States, with many of the most important scientific discoveries and inventions having been made here. Continued success in science is vital to our future - and yet there is still the perception among many of our people that science is too clever for them or elitist in some way.

"We must challenge myths like these if we are to build a prosperous, science-literate society, able to tackle the difficult issues that modern science presents and work them through to create the jobs and growth of the future.

"Science is going to be an important tool for getting us out of this downturn. We all need to be aware of the impact of science on our lives. We also need more trained scientists and engineers to help build the Britain of the future in key areas such as earth and life sciences."

Further information

The Science [So What? So Everything] website goes live today.

• Science [So What? So Everything] campaign Opens new window