Public understanding of science

The scientist's lament about public understanding of science is often heard. But scientific understanding is not merely a matter of scientific literacy; it also embraces issues of trust in scientists, doctors, and sources of information. People have an appetite for scientific information, and they are good at sifting the information relevant to their lives. Nonetheless, the onus will increasingly be on the scientist to explain scientific findings in ways that a range of publics can use. So, we need to improve the scientist's understanding of the public.