Rapid advancements in science continue to impact upon all of us every day, yet how are decisions about scientific developments made, and do we agree with the thinking behind them?

Professor Richard K Coll will speak at Tauranga's next Cafe Scientifique meeting.

At Tauranga's next Café Scientifique Professor Richard K Coll and doctoral research student Naren Prasad of the University of Waikato's Faculty of Science and Engineering will explore the vexing problem of how modern citizens should use scientific knowledge, and who they should believe when debates rage about the use of science.

Many scientific advances are viewed positively, such as improved communication or transportation. But other socio-scientific issues are more controversial, such as human cloning and genetically modified food, where it is less clear what we should do, according to Richard. The fluoridation of municipal drinking water supplies is another more recent example, and key to this dilemma is understanding how others, including scientists, think, he believes.

Richard and Naren will look at recent research suggesting scientists, either innately or as a result of their training (or both), do think differently to the general public, but questions whether this means the public should believe them. They invite the public to come and find out if we, as individuals, think differently from scientists and make up their own mind who should be believed.

Richard is director of the University's Cooperative Education Unit and associate dean (International). He holds a PhD in chemistry and EdD in science education and his research focuses on the area of cooperative and work-integrated education, and science education, particularly at tertiary level. Naren is doing his PhD with Richard, investigating students' and the public's views about the nature of science.

Café Scientifique is a forum for exploring science issues, where anyone can come to find out about the latest ideas in science and technology. The Café Scientifique series is organised by Julia and Warren Banks and supported by the University of Waikato. It aims to promote public engagement and make science accessible.

The next Café is on Monday, August 5, from 6.30pm at Bravo, Red Square, Downtown Tauranga. For more information, visit: www.waikato.ac.nz/go/cafescientifique or email: julia.banks@saffronconsulting.co.nz