New findings published today by the Campaign for Science and
Engineering (CaSE) show that focussing on partnerships, pride,
and pay-offs are the most effective way to connect with public
audiences when talking about global-facing R&D.
R&D across the UK is contributing to the innovations that
underpin the UK's ability to tackle global challenges, but the
R&D sector often struggles to articulate a compelling public
narrative about this work. Throughout 2024, CaSE has convened a
group of expert organisations to develop an evidence-led public
messaging guide that can help advocates convey the value of
UK-based R&D with global impact.
CaSE is urging organisations across the R&D and development
sectors to draw on this guide and work together to convey a
clearer narrative to the public and political audiences on the
value of this important part of the research landscape.
This project built on a nationally-representative survey of 4,000
UK adults and four focus groups. The results and the accompanying
‘Guide for Engaging the Public with Global-Facing R&D' are
published today.
This new data shows the strong starting point for advocates in
this area, with 77% of the public agreeing that R&D should be
used as a tool to solve global issues. Using the insights from
the research, CaSE has identified three effective connection
points that should be at the heart of messaging in this area:
partnerships, pride and pay-offs. Advocates should emphasise that
R&D happens in partnership, use language that connects with
the public's sense of pride in UK-based R&D, and demonstrate
that it brings benefits to the UK.
“It should be a partnership, whether that's through funds or
through the sharing of knowledge. It's not down to one person,
one country, one place. Focus group participant”
Female, 20s, Insurance, Coventry
The guide also offers advice on three common challenges faced by
those talking about R&D: timelags, expensive projects, and
competing priorities.
The research also found that:
- 71% thought higher income countries should work in
partnership with lower income countries to solve problems
- A majority said that if the UK invested money into R&D to
come up with new solutions to problems facing other countries, it
would have a meaningful positive impact (62%) and that they would
feel proud (61%)
- A majority thought R&D into global issues would have a
positive impact on the UK's reputation overseas (68%), the UK's
security (55%) and people in the UK (51%), and a plurality felt
it would have a positive impact on the UK's economy (49%)
- 59% would prefer large R&D infrastructure to be paid for
by and built in the UK so the UK can benefit from job creation
and be a key part of the research, compared to 24% who said they
would prefer it to be built elsewhere so the money can be used on
more pressing national issues
- 53% agree that cutting funding for R&D that benefits
other countries would be a mistake, with just 14% disagreeing
This work builds on the model CaSE has developed through its
wider Discovery Decade work on public attitudes to R&D, and
further demonstrates the value of public-centred messaging for
all parts of the R&D sector. By working in partnership with
leading organisations in this area, CaSE has been able to deliver
tailored, evidence-led messaging advice. CaSE hopes this will be
the start of a broader conversation about building better
connection between different parts of the R&D sector and
public audiences.
Commenting on the project
Dr Alicia Greated, Executive Director, Campaign for
Science and Engineering (CaSE), said:
“R&D is a global endeavour, and its benefits are felt far
beyond the countries that lead on any particular discovery or
advancement. I hope that this work can support the wider R&D
and development sectors to work together to raise the profile of
global-facing R&D carried out in the UK, and galvanise public
support.”
Dr Ben Bleasdale, Director, CaSE Discovery Decade
programme, said:
“Over the last year, we've been laser-focussed on developing
practical messaging advice which is backed up by robust data on
public opinions. We hope this new Guide can help align messaging
around global-facing R&D, and leave the public with a clearer
sense of its value.”
“The recent Budget was a reminder that public finances are under
continued pressure, and further investment will only flow from
compelling arguments."
Representatives of CaSE are available for extra comment or
interview.
As part of a Partners group of organisations with expertise in
this area, Wellcome helped guide this project throughout its
development, allowing the Guide to draw on Wellcome's experience
as an advocate for global-facing R&D.
Commenting on the project
Martin , Head of Policy Lab at Wellcome,
said:
“Science is the key to tackling the biggest global health
challenges that humanity faces. But they cannot be solved by one
country alone. Public sentiment is clear – research must be a
collaborative effort between countries. Investment in R&D in
the UK can have huge economic benefits domestically, while also
providing shared health benefits worldwide. For those in affected
communities, it provides hope. It is important to engage with
these communities to drive the most appropriate, effective and
accessible solutions, and we look forward to building on the
insights from this report to drive progress for equitable global
health.”
Notes for editors
About the poll
CaSE commissioned a nationally representative poll of 4,000 UK
adults from Public First, to explore
attitudes to global-facing R&D. The poll was conducted
online, from 27th-29th June 2024.
