Professor Crossland took a leading part in organising the Fenner Environment Conference last year, a special meeting at the Academy of Science which examined ethical issues associated with experiments in high-value conservation areas. The public has a right to know what's going on, and they are becoming increasingly vociferous in exercising that right. As scientists, we need to recognise that all forms of authority are being called upon to explain themselves. The ability to talk to public audiences is no longer an optional skill for scientists. The Minister for Industry, Science and Tourism, John Moore, said that he was encouraged to see more scientists taking up their responsibilities to communicate with the public and industry about their work.
Communication is the key to Australia's benefiting from our considerable investment in science.