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Scientists tend to be unappreciated in the world at large, but you can hardly overstate the importance of the work they do.

At a time when science plays such a powerful role in the life of society, when the destiny of the whole of mankind may hinge on the results of scientific research, it is incumbent on all scientists to be fully conscious of that role, and conduct themselves accordingly.

The public impression is that the government, industry or the highest bidder can buy a scientist to add credibility to any message. That crucial quality of impartiality is being lost.

I think it's important for scientists to be a bit less arrogant, a bit more humble, recognising we are capable of making mistakes and being fallacious - which is increasingly serious in a society where our work may have unpredictable consequences.

There is not much that even the most socially responsible scientists can do as individuals, or even as a group, about the social consequences of their activities.

Others think it the responsibility of scientists to coerce the rest of society, because they have the power that derives from special knowledge.

The impression sometimes created among the public is that scientists are working away in their labs, and maybe they're not always thinking about the implications of their work. But we are.

Scientists are being portrayed by much of the power structure in politics and business as having a vested interest - that they're just out to get more grant money by exaggerating the threats.

Though neglectful of their responsibility to protect science, scientists are increasingly aware of their responsibility to society.

I don't know how you overcome the dearth of scientists in the government positions.