One of my favourite topics to get up on my soapbox about is science policy and that not enough of the policy makers have a true understanding of science. Now part of my usual rant with has to do with the fact that I am not blaming the policy makers for this, but rather chiding the apathy of the scientific community for not being more active in the policy making role. And that isn't entirely the fault of the scientific community either. Have you ever seen "question period" in the House of Commons? I would rather slide down a banister of razor blades and land in a pool of alcohol than participate in that.
For me, I just want people to understand small things like what you read on the internet isn't necessarily factual or that medical doctors aren't experts in science and scientific studies are still done by humans and can have mistakes.
Things that can help people learn to read science without spending 11 years in university (yes, I spent 11 years in university study science and chemistry) are nicely summed up in this Nature article. We are at a point where information is so easily accessible. Now it is time to learn how to sort and process that information in a meaningful way.
I personally love talking about science and all things science so that I can learn and I can teach. It is one of my favourite things to get other people as passionate for science as I am. And if I can teach you something then I feel my job here is done. Hence why I have this blog. I may not be able to write often, but I do love when I get the chance to write about something I love as much as science.
