Science & Society

Science & Society (S&S) is today an emergent and urgent issue. Throughout the world, scientists are becoming more and more aware that their role in society is going beyond the wonder toward their discoveries.
The final and most important goal of S&S actions is the creation of a new civil society, where knowledge tools and resources support citizens' participation into the decision making process.

Who speaks for science?

Although S&S needs a comprehensive social approach, with crucial contributions from many different subjects (governments, universities, private and public research institutions, industry, citizens, schools, the media, etc.), a key role must be played by those entities whose primary mission is to produce scientific knowledge: research institutions.

S&S at IFOM-IEO Campus

For a research institution, S&S activities include spreading science results to society through responsible communication.

Through the "IFOM for School" Program, the IFOM-IEO Campus offers a series of initiatives aimed at spreading and disseminating scientific awareness in our society.

IFOM: The "IFOM for School" Program

The program: IFOM for School

Since its foundation, IFOM has chosen to communicate its scientific results through the opening and maintaining of a "dialogue channel" between scientists and society.

In 2002, the "IFOM for School" Program was activated. The Program, through an Agreement with the Lombardy Educational Office (Ufficio Scolastico Regionale per la Lombardia), includes educational research fellowships for high school science teachers, theoretical and practical training courses for teachers and students, conferences, development of educational science resources for school practices, open days and summer stages aimed at promoting scientific careers in young people.

Educational projects within the "IFOM for School" Program are designed and put into practice by scientists and IFOM experts in communication with the constant, pro-active assistance of teachers. This assistance allows the identification of important topics and also enables these topics to be addressed in real life schools.

Objectives of the Program are:

• To provide students and the community in general with updated scientific information which will be useful in the battle against illnesses.
• To provide students with training and professional guidance
• To encourage scientistis and teachers to work together to promote educational research and innovation, and ensure that the results are transferred to daily school practice.