Research projects
	OPUS - Optimising public understanding of science and technology, funded under the Improving Human Potential programme of the fifth framework programme of R&D (2000-2002)

OPUS is a thematic research network, supported by the Fifth R&D Framework Programme of the European Union (Directorate General for Research, Improving Human Potential programme).

The pervasiveness of science and technology's influence in every aspect of modern life implies a real necessity for citizens to understand and appreciate the contributions, and the limitations, of what research and technological development can provide for human society and the natural environment. The barriers to communication between researchers and the public are complex, derived from a combination of social, cultural, educational and practical inhibitors.

At European level, the barriers are even greater and more complex. Raising public awareness of science and technology is more than just a question of education and promotion. It requires a sensitivity on the part of experts towards legitimate public concerns, an appreciation of the complexities associated with risk, and the right balance between accessibility of information and necessary sophistication of presentation. OPUS seeks to identify proven techniques and examples of good practice to address a general lack of awareness of European-level research activities and their impacts on the economy, society, the quality of life, employment and the environment.

The OPUS project examines the underpinning theories of public awareness and public understanding, as well as seeking out examples of particularly successful, tested instruments to improve the process of informing and engaging the public. National experiences in the six participating countries, and elsewhere in Europe and the world, will be reviewed. A European-wide analysis and synthesis will be undertaken to develop practical resources for students, professionals and policymakers that will help optimise the process of building public awareness of science and technology (S&T).

Final report

Felt U. (Editor), Castro P., Chavot P., Erlemann M., Gonçalves M.E., Kasperowski D., Masseran A., Nolin J., Nunes J.A., Obi-Nwagwu A.U., Stein J., Stevens D., Valenduc G., Vendramin P. Opening public understanding of science and technology - Final report European Commission, June 2003 Web version

Web site of the OPUS network

For more detailed information on activities and publications of the OPUS network:

Site OPUS - University of Vienna

Organisation of the network

Coordinator :

• Institute für Wissenschaftstheorie und Wissenschaftsforschung, University of Vienna (Ulrike Felt, Martina Erlemann)

Partners :

• Department of Innovation Studies, University of East London (Josephine Stein, Damian White)
• University of Lisbon, Portugal (Maria Eduarda Gonçalves, Paula Castro)·
• Research Center Work & Technologies, Foundation Work-University, Namur (Gerard Valenduc, Patricia Vendramin)·
• Group study and of research on the science of the University Louis Pasteur (GERSULP), Strasbourg (Philippe Chavot, Anne Masseran)·
• Gothenburg University, Sweden (Jan Nolin, Dick Kasperowski)