The first essay in the British Science Association's (BSA) ‘Science: not just for scientists’ essay collection has been published by the Guardian.

The collection, and this landmark essay by BSA's Chief Executive Imran Khan, marks the relaunch of our vision and mission. In it, Imran argues that science is "too important to just be left to scientists alone". 

He writes: “At the BSA we see science as the way in which we explore the natural and social world. We see its influences in fields ranging from mathematics to engineering, and medicine to economics. But even with this broad and inclusive definition and scope, science is often seen as too complex for anyone but experts… For the good of society, the public and scientific progress itself, science needs a broader community”.

He then continues to discuss the UK education system, stating that: “science needs to be seen as an exciting, evolving, and interactive part of our society, not an exalted profession led solely by modern-day sages.

“The purpose, direction, ethics, and sustainability of science and innovation have to be defined by society as a whole – but that can only happen if more people feel able to take part in such debates.”

In a closing remark, Imran argues: “29 per cent of UK adults – 15 million people – want to have more of a say on decisions made about scientific issues. The aim of the British Science Association is to grow this number, and empower these people to do just that.”

Read the essay in full on Guardian Science blogs.

Find out more about the essay series, Science: not just for scientists.

Watch our new animation on the BSA's YouTube channel.