Actions are needed to assure the continued health of physics research, teaching and cultural influence. Some form of 'contract' between physicists and the rest of society will be required. The Workshop emphasised that the problems physics faces are not related to the subject matter but to its relations with society and the perceptions of society. By 'physics', we include the physical sciences in general and we affirm the growth of interdisciplinary fields and the trend for areas such as astronomy, cosmology, environmental studies and biophysics to become ever more closely linked with all aspects of physics. Why the contribution of physics will continue to be essential Physics is a central part of our culture and will continue to inspire many people.
Physics reveals important universal truths notwithstanding certain strands of postmodern thought.
Physics will continue to underpin all science and technology for the foreseeable future. Physics is and will continue to be essential for analysing and solving urgent environmental and energy problems. Physics is global and constitutes our best 'anti-Babel'. Generations of physicists of the most diverse political and cultural backgrounds have collaborated on the basis of shared understanding and shared ideals. Some general problems currently faced by science Many people feel that science robs the world of meaning and this deeply affects their attitude to science.