title: Developing students' awareness of public understanding of science: A matter of survival?
abstract: Biochemists and life scientists in general are now encountering a paradox regarding the public image of their work; society demands and encourages pursuit of more knowledge but at the same time is suspicious and fears the novelties it brings. At this historical moment, we are experiencing a delicate balance between the birth of a new era and a downsizing the status of biochemistry. The future can go either way, and it is up to scientists to become deeply involved to make the first scenario overturn the second. This task demands awareness and engagement in scientific communication and the promotion of science. However, the work ahead demands continuous commitment for more than one generation. If we want to leave a legacy of a well regarded and prosperous science to our students, we must let them know why public understanding is crucial, indeed vital, and show them how to cope with and actually embrace it. This may actually be a survival skill for them!
authors.affiliation: Departamento de Química e Bioquímica, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande C8, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal. castanho@fc.ul.pt.
authors.forename: Miguel A R B
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Castanho