Public perceptions of scientists
Yesterday I managed a day out to get to the Polymer IRC’s UK Polymer Showcase at York. As you’d expect, most of the presentations were about polymers and plastics research, but the Material World’s Quentin Cooper also gave a very entertaining guest presentation entitled Plastic and Past Stuck – Why Science Changes the World but Scientists’ Image Stays the Same. In this Quentin explored perceptions of science.
One of the most engaging parts of this was a look at the images children produce when asked to draw a scientist; inevitably the clichés of lab coat and glassware were overwhelming. The image here is my own effort from a number of years ago (but not, sadly, as a child in response to a scientifically conducted pole!). I guess the general premise is that people build stereotypes that overlook the essential humanity of the scientist. Science is a job that you can do, but it is also a way of looking at things? Getting answers to questions?
I had a great day out, so thanks and congratulations to Helen and the Polymer IRC team for organising this event…
