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Measuring Public Understanding of Particle Physics and its Applications

This project aims to measure the public's understanding of particle physics and its significance through a comprehensive national survey conducted by the Fermilab Office of Communication and the University of Chicago Survey Lab. The results will inform a more informed communication strategy for better support and appreciation of particle physics. Collaboration and research will provide valuable insights for various stakeholders, including scientific leaders, universities, and funding agencies. Join us on this journey to bridge the gap between science and society.

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Measuring Public Understanding of Particle Physics and its Applications

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  1. Measuring Public Understanding of Particle Physics and its Applications The University of Chicago Survey Lab Fermilab Office of Communication

  2. Communication More critical than ever for particle physics. What is particle physics? Why does it matter to the nation? Measuring Public Understanding of Particle Physics and its Applications

  3. Fermilab’s special role As the nation’s only dedicated particle physics laboratory, Fermilab leads the communication effort for US particle physics. We collaborate closely with other labs around the world, with universities, with funding agencies. Measuring Public Understanding of Particle Physics and its Applications

  4. Communication tools symmetry magazine, Fermilab Web site, Interactions.org, US LHC, Fermilab Today, brochures, press releases, community presentations, media interviews….. Measuring Public Understanding of Particle Physics and its Applications

  5. To make the tools more effective… We need data. Beyond anecdotes. Measuring Public Understanding of Particle Physics and its Applications

  6. We’d like to know… What do Americans know of particle physics? What do they think they know? How do they value the discovery of the physical nature of the universe? Its applications? Scientific leadership? Measuring Public Understanding of Particle Physics and its Applications

  7. P5 saw the need for systematic data. “At this time there exist few quantitative analyses of the economic benefits of particle physics applications. A systematic professional study would have value for assessing and predicting the impact of particle physics technology applications on the nation’s economy.” Measuring Public Understanding of Particle Physics and its Applications

  8. Data are hard to get. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act, federal agencies cannot undertake or fund public surveys without prior approval from the Office of Management and Budget (a complicated process). Measuring Public Understanding of Particle Physics and its Applications

  9. Plan of action Collaboration of the Fermilab Office of Communication and the University of Chicago Survey Lab to carry out a comprehensive national opinion survey. Measuring Public Understanding of Particle Physics and its Applications

  10. Benefits A more informed communication strategy More effective communication More support for particle physics Measuring Public Understanding of Particle Physics and its Applications

  11. Results will benefit… Fermilab University of Chicagonational labs with basic science programsuniversities funding agencies (already expressed interest)HEPAP policy makersopinion leaders Measuring Public Understanding of Particle Physics and its Applications

  12. Benefits to the University Data will be useful to University science communicators Unique opportunity for cross-section of students – Harris School of Public Policy, Social Sciences graduate students and undergraduates • “Real world” study – results have real implications • Broadens the horizons of public policy students beyond social policy – a goal of the University Unifies divisions –Social Sciences, Public Policy and Physical Sciences – around a shared goal and project Puts the university at the forefront of an important policy issue Measuring Public Understanding of Particle Physics and its Applications

  13. The approach Five stages: • Focus group research for questionnaire design • Laboratory testing of survey instrument • National pilot telephone survey • Post-survey focus group discussions 5. Summary analysis and planning Measuring Public Understanding of Particle Physics and its Applications

  14. The team Judy Jackson, Communication Director, Fermilab Martha Van Haitsma, Director, University of Chicago Survey Lab Colm O’Muircheartaigh, Professor of Public Policy, Harris School of Public Policy, University of Chicago Measuring Public Understanding of Particle Physics and its Applications

  15. Questions? Thanks for your consideration! Measuring Public Understanding of Particle Physics and its Applications

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