Value proposition

VA (Public & Science) a Swedish CSO that promotes dialogue & openness between science and society.

Public & Science (Vetenskap & Allmänhet), VA is an independent Swedish non-profit membership organisation that works to promote dialogue and openness between researchers and the public. It is an obvious partner and knowledge hub for science and society dialogue in Sweden as well as internationally.

VA carries out regular studies and surveys with the aim of increasing knowledge about the relationships between science and society at large. This includes an annual barometer into the Swedish public’s general attitudes towards science and researchers as well as more specific studies into societal groups such as journalists, teachers and the business community. VA also arranges many events and activities aimed at stimulating dialogue between researchers and the public in new ways and in novel arenas.

VA’s members consist of some 90 organisations, authorities, universities, companies and associations. In addition, it has a number of individual members. It is funded through membership fees, project grants and a grant from the Swedish Ministry of Education and Research.

VA is an outward-looking organisation engaged in projects with many European partners and organisations.

VA’s main aims
1. Increase collaboration between researchers and the public
2. Increase knowledge and dialogue about:
• Public perceptions of research and research requirements
• Prerequisites for research, research methods and results
• Methods for science communication
3. Be a leading knowledge hub for public engagement and science communication
4. Strengthen all aspects of engagement with society; democratic, cultural as well as for the benefit and education of society.

science communication, Reports and surveys, science activities, seminars, Public engagement, and Dialogue Activities