08 Dec 2004, The Daily Telegraph

The 2005 Awards Launch Article

By Sir David King

My scientific imagination was first sparked by the wonders of astronomy and the exhilarating concept of space travel. I remember the amazing experience in South Africa with my father sitting under the starry night sky, as we watched the first satellite, Sputnik, launched by the Russians, track across.

It was at that moment I first realised that, unlike all the other matter in the universe which had existed for billions of years, this satellite existed solely because of the discoveries, insights and bold achievements of the human race. I became intrigued about the origins of the universe, forever asking questions. And that is why I became a scientist.

My reading led me to understand that from the hot plasma formed after the big bang, first atoms, then chemically bonded molecules and materials began to appear as the universe expanded and cooled. Ultimately this led here on earth to the emergence of the complex self-replicating living molecular structures which evolved into our biosphere. Atoms and the bonds between them, and the need to understand the way in which these complex structures emerged, sparked my interest in physical chemistry.

In the intervening half a century I have discovered how the world of science and engineering research can be a complicated place. It takes many years of training and apprenticeship to reach the point where new developments and discoveries are made. Often scientists find it difficult to communicate their work outside their own often narrow circle, let alone to the general public. But good science depends on good communication.

Science writers are a vital link in the communication process. They can understand the significance of one scientist's part in a chain of research that spans years and continents, and they can communicate that significance to many audiences.

That is why I enthusiastically support the BASF/Daily Telegraph Science Writer Awards. My advice to any 16 to 28 year old wishing to enter the 2005 competition is to really understand the importance of the role of the science writer, and to hone the very difficult skill of using simple words to describe complex processes that resonate with both the scientist and the layperson.

A good science writer can help researchers make links with scientists in other disciplines in order to take advantage of the global knowledge pool, of which the UK is a leading player. These links can mean a massive improvement in our ability to examine complex problems and tackle them with a degree of certitude. Because we have access to amazing computing power and instrumental facilities we can begin to understand the global climate system and brain cognition, to name but two complex, interdisciplinary issues.

Science writers can encourage the business world to see the vast potential that is inherent within the science base, and point them towards new areas of research that could potentially be commercially viable.

When I first took up research some thirty years ago there was little interaction between university research and the business world. Now, around my laboratory in Cambridge alone, 900 small high-tech companies employ around 40,000 people. This has added a sense of excitement to research life in universities, and researchers keep an eager eye out in the laboratory for an unexpected breakthrough that may result in wealth creating spin out companies.

An interesting and informative write-up in a business magazine might well help that process along by attracting investment or other aspects of business expertise in a potential process or product.

Science writers also have the incredibly important job of reaching out to the general public. As I see it, here they have a dual role. Whilst the vast majority of science does not touch on ethical issues, some key areas, such as embryo research and GM, do. The science around these topics can be difficult to understand, as well as emotive, and a good science writer can inform the public debate by adding reason and understanding.

I hope that this will result in society feeling less threatened by the arguments surrounding the science in these areas, and becoming more confident that they are knowledgeable enough to engage in a genuine debate about them.

Science writers can also inspire people to discover science for themselves; maybe even consider a career as a scientist. Recently I joined a large audience of school children at a special viewing of the film 'The Day After Tomorrow'. Once the film ended I got a really good grilling from the youngsters about climate change - they asked, "Can that really happen?" "What are you doing about climate change?" "What's fusion?" The film and discussion had fired their imaginations and sparked their interest. I felt enormously encouraged by that and by their desire to learn. Perhaps one day some of those children will go on to answer those and other questions for themselves.

There has never been such an exciting time to write about science. Britain is a leading player in the field of scientific endeavour and we are breaking down the barriers which can work against diversity in the industry by encouraging equal numbers of girls and boys from all our ethnic backgrounds to take up science. Inspirational scientists are going into schools to capture children's imaginations through the Government's Science and Engineering Ambassadors programme.

When I see my Cambridge PhD students facing challenges that leave them buzzing with excitement over an imminent discovery, or in the depths of gloom over a problem they're encountering, I know that each and every one of them is carrying out potentially groundbreaking work. It's that laboratory work, and research like it going on all over the country, that good science writers can turn into great areas for discussion. I want to see more interest in and debate on key issues such as climate change, because if we engage with the public, everyone can understand the direction that science is moving in, and help shape it.

I want to see more people, young and old, get involved, inspired by our world class science and innovation. This is where you come in. The young people who enter this competition can make a difference. Mine our research facilities and universities for the stories that will shape our tomorrows. Then write a short article that can open the debate about how the latest developments in science, engineering and technology are applied because everyone in society has a stake in the future. Over to you!

Sir David King is the Government's Chief Scientific Adviser, Head of the Office of Science and Technology and the 1920 Professor of Chemistry at Cambridge University.