Science and Society

Scientific AdvAncementS have the power to change our everyday lives, yet they raise concerns amongst society itself. Many scientific innovations are deeply embedded in our everyday lives and inadvertently affect us as individuals - from large world-wide pandemics to the financial economy, science has a major influence over society. Despite this, there seems to be major errors in the way science is currently communicated to the general public. In the age of social media, the public are often misled which creates a crisis of trust between scientists and society.

Now, more than ever, it is vital to achieve a greater integration of science and society. This issue of BlueSci intends to explore recent and potentially the most ethically challenging scientific advancements to prompt our readers to engage in the world of science. We will investigate the impact of recent advancements on society and everyday individuals, as well as the ethics of their potential applications.

Starting with the broader point of view, with the help of Dr Catherine Galloway from the Kavli Centre for Ethics, Science, and the Public I explore how the new centre pursues the admirable aim of creating social change through involving and engaging the public in pioneering ways. Opening up the ethical debate, Konstanze Schichl then discusses the immortalised HeLa cell line and how it has shaped science and society. William Smith then summarises the benefits of a Plant-Based diet and the national response from University Unions to rally support for a plant-based diet. Continuing the discussion of our diets, Hayoung Choi shares the journey of genetic modification in food crops.

The FOCUS piece hones in on perhaps the most ambitious healthcare initiatives of our time. Myself and Rachel Duke explore the promises and impact of genomic sequencing from the first complete human genome assembly to the latest Newborn Genomes Programme which has given rise to a nation-wide conflict of opinions.

Moving on to our Pavilion piece, Pauline Kerekes interviews Keira Tucker from Ascus exploring a platform where art and science can meet.

Emily Birt then discusses the clinical applications of Botox and its potential uses for mental health. The next part of the issue moves towards the physical nature of scientific advancements. Beginning with an article that considers how the electricity grid can be susceptible to global hazards, Lizzie Knight describes how we can improve the resilience of the electricity grid. Xaxiour Wang then goes on to discuss the promises and challenges of fusion energy. To finish off our features, Sheryas Iyer introduces the remarkable prospect of a quantum internet.

Science communication and engagement is the key to integrating science and society and to rebuild the trust between scientists and the public. It is our hope that by exploring the recent advancements which span a broad range of scientific fields that you, the reader, will be inspired to further engage with science, even if it initially seems inaccessible. We hope that you are encouraged to share your thoughts, ideas and concerns regarding the ethical implications of scientific advancements with your friends, family and colleagues.

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Merissa Elizabeth Hickman Issue Editor #56