Science always makes a difference

• Published in: South African Journal of Science 2021-11, Vol.117 (11-12), p.11-11
• Main Author: Fitchett, J.M
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: knowledge creation; Science; science as a public good; science engagement; STEM education
• ISSN: 0038-2353; 1996-7489
• DOI: 10.17159/sajs.2021/12471

How do we know if science makes a difference? This question was posed to participants of a webinar hosted by the South African Journal of Science during the 2021 National Science Week. A report of the webinar has been provided by Masete1. As a panellist in this webinar, I argued that science always makes a difference; and that therefore there is no need for an approach to quantify or detect or measure this difference. Indeed, attempting to separate out the science that makes a difference from that which is perceived to not make a difference does a disservice to the advancement of science. Science always makes a difference, because intrinsic to science is the pursuit of new knowledge. Even if this new knowledge is small in magnitude or influence, parochial, or restricted to a narrow subdiscipline, even if it is seldom cited, it provides one of many critical building blocks for future work. Here I summarise the position I outlined in the webinar, through arguing (1) the cases in which the 'difference' made by science is most tangible, (2) the more continuous impacts of scientific pursuit that likewise make a difference, and (3) that the difference that science makes does not always contribute a net good to society. However, I would argue that science equally makes a difference on a far more continuous basis, and at a far smaller scale. Conducting scientific research - following, engaging with, developing, refining, and repeating the scientific method makes a difference. Training young scientists, whether in the classroom or lecture theatre, the laboratory or the field, and whether in lectures or through demonstration, makes a difference. Communicating research findings, whether to an academic or public audience, whether in writing or verbally, whether to a small or large group, makes a difference. Using research to inform policy, without doubt, makes a difference.