Abstract

As scientific developments follow in rapid succession the need to have a scientifically literate population becomes increasingly important.  Obvious reasons for this include the importance of democratic decisions being made in a scientifically-informed way and the needs of industry and commerce to have workers with at least some scientific knowledge.

The author chaired a UK Government Committee on the 'Public Understanding of Science' a few years ago and the Committee's conclusions will be described, together with the extent to which actions have followed.

Also described will be the activities of the European Physical Society in this area.  These include the production, and circulation to 'Policy Formers', of a series of EPS Position Papers.  Some are directed at Governments and they point out strongly the various reasons why there should be support of Physics and Physicists.   Another relates to the need to recruit more Physics teachers to National Physical Societies - it is only by improving and extending the teaching of Physics in schools that we will really succeed in our task of improving the links between Physics and Society.

Finally, a description will be given of the EPS Position Paper on the 'Scientists' Oath' - a development that is, in the author's view required rather urgently.

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