Making ourselves useful

Abstract

“Knowledge transfer” is a phrase that encapsulates the flow of useful ideas arising from curiositydriven research into wider use in society – the fundamental reason why any government puts money into science. And it seems reasonable that they want something useful in return for the money, especially in the economic climate of the foreseeable future. The trouble is, such tangible outcomes can be difficult to identify in pure science. However, they do exist. Who would have thought that railway signalling would benefit directly from the search for ultra-high-energy cosmic rays? Urban smog detectors have a closer link to atmospheric monitoring by satellite, but it is the need to make instruments small enough and light enough for launch that also makes them portable and practical in towns. However, such an emphasis on concrete applications of research omits an important element of knowledge transfer, and one where astronomy, planetary science and geophysics excel. These fields excite, inspire and enthuse people at all stages of their lives, fostering an interest in science that benefits society in general – and young people who may be the skilled workforce of the future in particular. Equipping schools with telescopes and seismometers, teaming up amateur astronomers with professionals, and the many diverse activities across the world for IYA2009 all show the cultural and educational impact of our sciences. Not before time, the RAS along with other learned societies has sponsored a study of such less tangible benefits, with the aim of better quantifying the impact of our sciences. That way we will have some tangible information about the transfer of knowledge in the broader sense. Editorial NEws