The British Science Association (BSA), who run British Science Week, is always keen to find out how young people feel about science, scientists and other issues. The BSA have conducted surveys in recent years to hear what older secondary school students think about these topics.
Our survey says…
Last year, the survey revealed that just 34% of 14-to-18-year-olds in the UK think science is relevant to their life. Even more concerning is that a mere 8% can think of a scientist that looks like them.
In 2020, during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, young people told us they didn’t think scientists were speaking directly to them. This was such an uncertain and pivotal time for society as accessible information about the the virus and how to prevent its spread was vital for everyone. So, why were such a large proportion of the population feeling disconnected from the scientists who were trying to help?
A 2019 survey commissioned by BEIS polled adults and found that 22% of the UK public described themselves as feeling ‘actively connected’ to science, whereas 40% said they felt connected to sport.
It’s clear the science isn’t quite clicking with young people or adults.
Finding that connection
In response to these findings, we’ve asked people involved in science (some of whom might be familiar to you) to share what makes it feel like it’s ‘for them’ in a new campaign. Here are some of their answers:
View a text-only version of the campaign
There are some recurring themes which we hope will feel relevant to you, whatever you do or what your interests are. The scientists talk about finding out new things, problem solving, getting creative and helping people and society.
So, you might initially imagine people working in science poring over test tubes in a lab, or doing complex maths. But the truth is, it’s way closer to home than that. It’s asking questions about the world and figuring out the answers bit by bit. And that’s something we all do, whether we realise it not!
Your connections
We’d love to hear about your connections too! Head over to the Connection to science page to find out how you can get involved on social media using the green screen filter (everyone’s favourite) on TikTok on Instagram.
You can post a video, comment on our content or tweet about it! Just use the hashtag #BSW23 so we come across it.