Science and technology are a ubiquitous presence in everyday life. The way we work, communicate with one another, stay healthy, and play are all profoundly influenced by the results of scientific inquiry. In such a world, increasing the public's understanding and appreciation of science and technology is of paramount importance.

The science and engineering community has always recognized this imperative. Yet it has not been as successful as it might be in encouraging communication of science and engineering knowledge and research results to a wider public audience. There are few incentives -- and in some cases, severe disincentives -- for scientists to make their own work or that of others accessible through popular literature or the broadcast media. Some scientists and engineers -- Carl Sagan and E. O. Wilson, for example -- have ignored or overcome these professional obstacles. Their popular work has been well received and broadly acclaimed, providing evidence of a public audience eager for well-written and understandable science.

On May 4, 2000, the National Science Board approved a report entitled Communicating Science and Technology in the Public Interest, NSB 00-99.