Science Communication on Badgers and TB

Dr Angela Cassidy, Institute of Food Research (Email)

Dr Cassidy will investigate the way that science communication has structured and been structured by the controversy surrounding badgers and TB.

In October 2007, the Government's Chief Scientist, Sir David King, issued a statement recommending that wild badger populations in the UK should be culled in order to control the spread of TB infections in cattle. This statement was immediately contested by another government scientist, Professor John Bourne, author of an independent scientific report on the issue. Prof. Bourne said Sir David's recommendations were not consistent with the scientific findings of his report, but were "consistent with the political need to do something about it". The National Farmers Union welcomed the intervention of the Chief Scientist, and recommended that the government follow his advice, while the Badger Trust, an environmental charity, stated that it amounted to a "shameful political fix" (BBC News Online, 22nd October 2007).

In this project I propose to investigate how and why experts and interested parties in this dispute are using the media, and why this controversy is taking place in the news media rather than in scientific organisations. What are the consequences
for science in general and for this controversy in particular for public disputation? What are the lessons for science communication in general and for public understandings and participation in controversies about complex and emotive issues in animal health?

This research project aims to answer all of the above questions. I will go behind the headlines to talk directly to the people involved in this controversy to determine how 'expert' advice works in the UK - in the media, inside government, amongst interest groups such as the NFU and environmental campaigners; but also interested people, especially those in rural communities affected by the outcomes. A principal aim is to help those involved in this controversy, directly and indirectly, to better communicate with a variety of audiences and stakeholders to facilitate more effective and efficient decision-making.