Society does not expect any technological advances and economic benefits from science that can improve its life.
Today, one can surely say that the problem of “knowledge divide” is still vital.
Joint efforts of scientists have led to remarkable innovations that have been of great benefit to humankind.
The improvement of science-industry cooperation brings about great prospects for the development of mankind.
2. Complete the following:
The essential function of the basic sciences is __.
The benefits of science are still unevenly distributed and many __.
The gap between rich and poor countries or peoples finds its reflection not only in __.
We must recognize that by its nature science is __.
Among the remarkable innovations that have been of great benefit to humankind we can mention __.
Because of rapid development of science , it is often difficult to foresee __.
Fewer and fewer young people are __.
Widening of science-industry cooperation will __.
3. Find the passages in the text about:
the essential functions of sciences;
science as a tool for the development of society;
remarkable advances brought by joint efforts of scientists from different countries;
knowledge divide between rich and poor countries;
the problem of brain drain;
science industry-cooperation.
4. Answer the following questions on the text:
What do we mean by saying “science based societies or economies”?
Is it true to say that science itself is living through a hard period?
Society has to set up certain ethical rules for scientists to keep to, doesn’t it?
Before you read the text say what science organizations you know and what role they perform in the society. Do you think science organizations help scientists in their work? Read the text and check your answers.