Press Release: Big differences still exist between Member States in attitudes to science in the media

While the public in Member States that were part of the EU before 2004 are generally open to science news, with more than 62% saying that they are interested in scientific research, this figure falls to just 38% for those Member States that joined since 2004. The differences range from 80% in Sweden to just 24% in Bulgaria. This is just one of the findings in a new Eurobarometer survey on scientific research in the media. The survey also shows a difference in the subjects of interest, with the newer Member States more focused on information technology and space, whereas the pre-2004 Member States saw higher levels of interest in medicine, environment and energy. This survey is being presented at the First European Forum on Science Journalism, taking place in Barcelona on 3 and 4 December. A new European Guide to Science Journalism Training will also be presented at that event, along with two studies assessing the attitudes of European scientists and senior media representatives respectively on the practices, challenges and opportunities they encounter in their daily work.