Scientists have set a high bar for their image because of the successes of the past. Contained within Bush's report was the idea that scientific research should be publicly supported because scientists themselves are always reliable, credible, and trustworthy. But the public is now able to learn about instances that do not reflect well on science. LaFollette suggests a strategy. The scientific community needs to provide a context for the public's image of scientists to counteract the media's distorted or exaggerated images.
Personal experiences are powerful influences.
If we don't pay attention to the public image of science, we risk having a less supportive constituency, with consequent implications for science's political future.