Is opinion change viewed differently in science and politics? Why might that be?
 
SCIENCE, POLITICS, AND TRUST.©
 
Here are some thoughts
I thought I’d share.
If I dare.
Because I think
It should be said
That reactions to
Changes of opinion
In science and in politics
May differ.
 
Here goes:
 
Scientists may change their opinions
It’s acceptable.
It’s respectable
In science.
 
When new data emerge
More evidence may mount
To support
A new hypothesis.
 
But what of opinion change
In politics and policy?
 
It seems it can be frowned on,
Viewed suspiciously,
Even looked down on
In politics.
 
But as information evolves,
Evidence or other reasons may mount
to support a new policy
or opinion.
 
What then?
 
Unquestionable devotion
Is not a given.
Public support
Can be based on reasoning or emotion.
Past decisions should
Be understood.
Mistakes can even be forgiven.
 
It’s not a time to appear aloof
When people deserve the truth.
 
As a scientist I suggest
Evidence-based change is best.
But decisions may be needed
In times of uncertainty
When evidence is limited.
 
Where opinions change
Truth, reasons, and clarity
Are a must!
In science and in politics
Engagement is best earned
Through honesty and transparency,
That in turn will lead to trust.
 
 
                    ©Julie Charlesworth, 2023
 

by Dr Julie Charlesworth 03/01/23

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(Thoughts are my own but inspired by several discussions at ESOF2022.)

Wishing you all the best for 2023.

by Dr Julie Charlesworth 01/01/23

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By looking beyond, I find I am often better able to understand and communicate what is in front of me. This could be my mantra 😊😉.

I am just popping in here to wish you well in this quiet period – the lull before the New Year.

by Dr Julie Charlesworth 27/12/22

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[NB. I will shortly be sharing some thoughts and posts on some ‘beyond’ topics on which I am qualified to report and comment on more generally…

Of course I will continue to share and contribute in my specialist areas of Life Sciences, Clinical and Health Research]

‘It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas’🎄.

Season’s Greetings to one and all.
Ho Ho Ho 🤶.

by Dr Julie Charlesworth 12/12/22

A little ´trip down memory lane’ and a bright future ahead. Recently I had a catch-up meeting here with one of my mentees. This pub brought back fond memories of being my regular local pub in bygone years when I was a cancer researcher at the Christie*, so I took this quick snapshot for posterity. The meeting was very forward-looking though 😊.

A fitting photo for the run up to this festive time of year🎄.

by Dr Julie Charlesworth 01/12/22

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[*The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester. One of Europe’s leading cancer centres.]

Are you curious about what the future will look like for humankind? Are you ready for a voyage to explore the possibilities?

Indeed, I am!

Please join me as I share some snippets from my recent experience at the Dubai Museum of the Future.

On arrival my first impression is the immaculate, airy, and futuristic architecture and design of the building both outside and inside.

In the foyer there are wise words to greet the visitors. This particular inscription resonates with me:

“We may not live for hundreds of years, but the products of our creativity leave a legacy long after we are gone.” *

I don my wristband provided for the purpose of access control and with its scannable code to enable (literally) hands-on experiences and interactivity with many of the features on display. I am ushered into an elevator with my husband and a small group of other visitors, together with a guide (in person or digital at times).

Up, Up, and Away! Get ready to use your imagination.
The elevator is a now a rocket ship: the start of the journey to space. Feel the exhilaration and rapid ascent. See the spectacular views of Dubai below; other views looking back on Earth; views of planet Earth itself from far beyond. The doors open and we arrive at Orbital Space Station Hope (OSS Hope), the centre of the SOL energy project envisioning a world powered by solar energy. OSS Hope is a hub for science and innovation. The space exhibits are informative, educational, and interactive.

I am drawn to this quote “Space is for everybody” Christa McAuliffe 1948-1986, NASA STS-51-L, Space Shuttle Challenger.

On a fun note, an interactive themed attraction enables me to imagine myself as a future astronaut.

It’s time to get back to Earth.

We leave OSS Hope. On the way to the next level, the windows depict glimpses of Dubai in 2071. We head towards the next stop. It is the ‘HEAL’ exhibition with the theme of the future on Earth, and covering many challenges but also great innovative opportunities. We are told ‘At HEAL we are working to repair the Earth’s natural ecosystems’ ‘with the help of Artificial Intelligence and Bio-design’.

Today’s first focus is the Rainforest and in particular, the Amazon is digitally represented. How can we repair the damage from years of deforestation?

Next, it’s THE LIBRARY “HEAL’s DNA vault, where we store the genetic code of thousands of species” The displays of species are a scintillating spectacle! A hand-held remote device can be pointed at each exhibit to retrieve specific and more detailed information.

We are then welcomed to the HEAL Observatory and HEAL’s ecosystem simulator, where the impact of new species on their environments can be tested. When released into ecosystems around the world the impact of new species will be closely monitored.

There are many possibilities to ponder. For example, a fire-resistant tree – that sounds interesting!

I continue my descent using the stairway and arrive at the Al Waha (Oasis), where the theme is future happiness and well-being. The interactive experiences cover calm and connection, the senses and spirit. I admit that although I checked out what was on offer I spent relatively little time there which is ironic (but not unexpected for me). The theme is about life balance and taking time to look after our own health and wellbeing. I have something to work on – or rather just do more of calmly and enjoy! Another time I’d spend longer in this area.

As I descend the stairway I am increasingly intrigued and I find myself entering the exhibition hall, ‘TODAY TOMORROW’, This is ‘an ever-changing display of near future technologies’.

The room houses an array of prototypes and currently available technological products. It is a very interesting and informative exhibition, that also encourages us to look beyond the present to the possible. ‘Technology might be part of the solution of addressing our future needs but what questions are we asking of technology today?’ Here are some of the questions:

[On a different level there is a floor dedicated to a playground for children with their own world to explore, immersive games for their enjoyment, and challenges to complete, on their way to becoming “future heroes”. (Another time I’d bring the grandchildren).]

As I leave the Museum of the Future, I can report back that this is a thought-provoking voyage that also captures the imagination. ‘The ancestors plant the trees, the descendents enjoy the shade.’

As one thing leads to another, such tempting tasters can increase the appetite to explore further. If you are local or happen to be in Dubai, I would highly recommend this experience.

by Dr Julie Charlesworth 21/11/22

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[*His Highness Sheik Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum as inscribed on the Museum of The Future.]

Half-term reflections and fun with my young grandchildren (fun for ’grown-up kids’ too). We took these photos at the Museum of Illusions in Dubai. I highly recommend a visit there.

by Dr Julie Charlesworth 09/11/22

I have just arrived back from a few interesting, invigorating, and enlightening weeks in the UAE. This visit was primarily for an important personal family commitment in Dubai, but I was also making the most of the trip on many levels, some of general interest to me and some work-related. On the basis of ‘jabbed to go’- I did go but still proceeded with caution by having my 4th covid vaccine jab some 6 weeks ago (and the annual flu jab around the same time). The trip proved to be an excellent and productive experience.

More to come about this mini adventure…

Meanwhile, I have a few comments about proceeding with caution:

Having received NHS invitations for my 4th covid vaccine jab and seasonal flu jab I ensured I was booked in as soon as possible.

‘Jabbed to go’.

Mask wearing although required in some specific situations seems to be largely a matter for personal judgement these days. My experience in the UAE felt safe and reassuring. However, on arrival back in the UK seeing the packed airport arrival hall and extensive queuing of hundreds of unmasked people I immediately put a face mask on as a precaution. The staff were doing their best in difficult circumstances. Such situations at airports really need to be improved!

I am still feeling ‘picky’ about travel and events – making the most of any trip I do take and getting maximum value out of any event.

by Dr Julie Charlesworth 6/11/22

I was delighted to accept an invitation from the Chancellor and the Vice Chancellor of Manchester University to attend the Foundation Day Celebrations 2022. It was a particularly special occasion because the ceremony included the installation of the new Chancellor, Nazir Afzal OBE.

The Chancellor is the University’s ceremonial head and also one of its most prominent ambassadors.

Foundation Day 2022 was an uplifting experience. Notably, it was a time to reflect on the achievements of students in these difficult times and to hear about the aspirations of the university for the future.

Nazir Afzal delivered powerful words in his speech. It is a time to look forward and I wish him a successful and enjoyable 7 years in the role.

Thank you to Manchester University.

by Dr Julie Charlesworth 12/10/22

ESOF2016 was the start for me 💡. There were ESOFs (EuroScience Open Forums) before that but Manchester was my first! What an eye opener it was. I was inspired to write a poem ‘Science transcends boundaries’. I had discovered a whole new world of science and thinking. I felt honoured to have been invited to the ESOF2016 Press Office to participate in discussions.

I was hooked from the start and I went on to participate in press conference discussions and generally as a scientist and a science communicator in every ESOF thereafter (in person whenever possible or otherwise on-line).

ESOFs cover core areas of science, society, business and careers. Reflecting on the mottos and themes of each event it is not surprising that I, along with many others, have been captivated and inspired.

Manchester 2016: (On-site)
The Motto ‘Science as Revolution’ was an invitation for breakthrough ideas to continue scientific revolutions and encourage focus on past, present and future path-breaking science.

Toulouse 2018: (On-site)
‘Sharing science towards new horizons’ was a theme strongly committed to international openness, dedicated to science and innovation. There were also high-level multidisciplinary exchanges around the big scientific and social issues at stake for the future.

Trieste 2020: (Hybrid. On-site and on-line)
‘Open Knowledge. Fair Future’ and ‘Freedom for Science. Science for Freedom’ .
The spirit of openness and inclusiveness was expressed in the motto. Freedom for Science referred to the ‘open-ended and unresolved questions that science is facing, with method and curiosity, without restrictions of credo or prejudices’. Science for Freedom refers to ‘the inclusiveness of science and its language, which goes beyond borders and conflicts and brings together people of any colour and gender’.

Leiden 2022: (Hybrid. On-site 2 locations and on-line).
The latest enticing overarching theme was ‘Crossing Borders, Engaged Science, Resilient Societies’, also with the forum’s objective of ‘connecting curious minds’. The ESOF2022 theme stems from ‘a need to continue to break down geographical borders in order to share knowledge and collectively solve the complex, intertwined, and universal challenges that all societies encounter’.

Going forward there is a ‘necessity for scientific disciplines from the humanities, the social sciences, the natural, medical and physical sciences, and also people from all walks of life such as scientists, policy makers, the media, and the general public to unite, collaborate, and innovate.’ ‘Only by sharing a single vision for a sustainable future for people, society, and the environment can we overcome our current challenges.’ I share these sentiments.

I have reported previously on the above ESOF events (see notes below). I also have still more to say about the latest ESOF2022.

I am grateful to have been able to learn so much and meet such interesting people over the years. This has enabled me to continue to develop as a scientist and become a better communicator so that I can contribute more effectively to the life sciences field and beyond.

by Dr Julie Charlesworth 4/10/22

[Note: Manchester, Toulouse, Trieste, Leiden. For some of my posts and reports on these events searching ESOF on on this site using a laptop/PC will bring up a number of previous posts. Otherwise you can scroll through the ‘Got 2 Minutes?’ section of blogs.]