House of Lords Committee says scientists need to rebuild public’s trust

“Some issues currently treated by decision-makers as scientific issues in fact involve many other factors besides science,” states the Committee’s report. “Framing the problem wrongly by excluding moral, social, ethical and other concerns invites hostility.”

Citing reaction to GM foods and the poor manner in which the seriousness of BSE became publicly known, the Committee argues for media training for scientists and for programmes to improve science education in schools.