The involvement of science in matters of public importance is not a new development. R.K. Merton's study of the Royal Society in 17th century England' depicts a group of scientists intimately concerned with the application of science to matters of public concern. Nevertheless, for a considerable period science remained a relatively isolated and uninfluential sub-culture of society. However, along with the growth of science witnessed in this century, both in terms of government support and numbers of scientists, there has been a widespread increase in the involvement of scientists in public affairs.2 By the 1930s some scientists were actively seeking channels by which they could become involved, as scientists, in the political process. Werskey3 has described the activities of 'reformist' and 'radical' scientists of this era in 'insider' and 'outsider' politics.4 Also from this era came Bernal's5 plea for a planned science responsive to social needs. This concern with the public role of science, coupled with the dramatic rise in the status of the scientific profession that resulted from its war-time achievements, provided the basis for an ever growing post-war involvement of scientists in social and political affairs. In the realm of 'technical' policymaking, politicians and government bodies actively sought the advice of scientists. For their part, scientists showed an increasing willingness to become involved
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Robbins et al. (1976) studied this question.