Scientists’ engagement with the public, and lack thereof, is the focus of a new series of reports from the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

With a “Do Scientists Understand the Public?” report written by well-known and prolific book author, blogger, and science writer Chris Mooney, the first of the Cambridge, Ma-based policy research center’s new reports explores “the ways in which scientists engage with the public, and how their mutual understanding could be improved.” The Mooney report and further information on the new study are available online.

Among key points from the report highlighted in a June 29 press release:

• Scientists and the public both share a responsibility for a divide between the two. “Scientists and technical experts sometimes take for granted that their work will be viewed as ultimately serving the public good. Members of the public can react viscerally and along ideological lines, but they can also raise important issues that deserve consideration.”
• Scientific issues require an “anticipatory approach” involving diverse stakeholders, research scientists, social scientists, public engagement specialists, and skilled communicators.
• Communications solutions “differ significantly” depending on the scientific issue and how long it has “been around.”

An upcoming report from the group, to be released soon, deals with “Science and the Media,” edited by former Stanford University President and scientist Donald Kennedy and University of Southern California journalism dean Geneva Overholser.