Impact of Astrophysics Research on Society
The contributions to society of astrophysical research
Naive view of astrophysics research
Understanding context and creating a balanced discourse on the impact of research
Why should we build a balanced view
Miscellany
Research on astrophysical research
Why?
properly assess what the true effects are on society
What has been done?
Economic impact of ESO's VLT
better prepare researchers to conduct their research efficiently and constructively
need to be aware of the context in which we do research
dearth of unbiased, quantitative research
What could be done?
effect of the new techniques implemented
improvement of international relations.
bolsters the credibility of such endeavors.
pinpoint areas that need to be addressed.
Technology
Inspiration
Knowledge
Data-analysis techniques
Image processing and analysis
International relations
collaboration across the world to coordinate telescope time and share findings
insight into how disparate cultures can work together for a common purpose
medical fields, doctor diagnoses
Astrophysics
Particle physics
Theoretical physics
Nuclear physics
Students inspired to study STEM
Private companies to sponsor technological innovation
Media
Historical
Future possibilities
CCDs in cameras
"[Astronomy] acts as a window into the immense size and complexity of space, putting Earth into perspective and promoting global sitizenship and pride in out home planet." (Rosenburg, et. al.)
Programming languages (IDL, FORTH)
GPS (uses quasars for accurate positioning)
Aerospace
Military, early warning systems
Medicine
Fusion technology
MRI
CT scanners
PET scan
clean room protocals
tumour detection
WLAN (wifi configuration)
X-ray at TSA security checks
probe structural weakening of buildings, noninvasive
exchange of knowledge
Urban planning
energy consumption
On a basic level, what astrophysics research teaches is how to assess and build models around huge, complex data sets. These are skills that can be carried into a variety of fields if a researcher can collaborate
offer expertise and techniques to other fields
results often come in the form of long-term results
The study of astrophysics offers techniques and the impetus to solve complex problems that can then be applied to a variety of fields—fields that directly affect the way that people live their lives.
learning how to accurately assess data to come to real-world conclusions about problems
counter the drawbacks to conducting research, such as ballooning costs or controversial infrastructure
cross-collaboration is immense, and there are so many more problems that can be solved by looking at them with different perspectives.
Researchers in other areas can also learn about the ways in which astrophysics can contribute to their own work
It offers society a variety of skilled and innovative people who can apply their expertise to more than analyzing stars.
innovative solutions to a variety of fields
One-sided sources
sources that talked about the benefits of astrophysics only talked about the benefits; sources that talked about the downsides of astrophysics only talked about the downsides.
The literature that introduces hard research looking at the benefits and costs of astrophysical research is sparse. Much of what is talked about is hearsay or reporting only—very little hard data.
scientists don’t always consider the ramifications of their work
scientists in outreach largely only speak to the benefits
those who oppose elements of research only disparage it
Perceived as reveling in the pursuit of knowledge only for the sake of expanding our understanding of the universe
scientists in outreach positions have a tendency to isolate themselves, and perhaps have some pathological need to prove that what they are doing is worth it
The conversation calls for a voice that combines these perspectives and offers a kind of calculus regarding the overall societal yield of this kind of research.
research should not exist in a bubble.
important to discuss the value of scientific endeavors no matter the field in such a way that demonstrates its worth beyond the scientific community
Scientists have a responsibility to recognize when they have overstepped the rights of individuals or when they are not conducting science in an efficient and fiscally responsible way.
Create a nuanced view of how astrophysics both contributes to and detracts from society
Astrophysics research at the level it is conducted today requires:
complex infrastructure
economic oportunities
international relations
survey the whole sky takes the who world
Economic
It offers economic opportunities for innovation and job creation.
continued client-supplier relationships with astro orgs (NASA, ESO, etc.)
companies of all sizes respond to need
create jobs
Both sides need to be weighed when assessing the value of any particular project.
more informed assessment of the value.
Science for science’s sake is a wonderful ideal but can be prohibitive and irresponsible in some cases.
Ineffciencies
Delays in completion
Added expenses
Disregarding rights of individuals
DKIST and TMT in Hawaii
Science should not be done at the expense of certain groups.
We can only improve our process if we know what we are doing wrong.
Others will see how beneficial this type of research can be and so will be more inclined to fund it.
Creating science outreach that is balanced and nuanced is more credible, leading to more support for the efforts they present.
if society at large sees that astrophysical researchers are doing their work in a conscientious way, others will see that the science is done responsibly.
Given an unlimited budget and an isolated situation, we could do all the science we could ever dream of.
For example, the same kind of study can go into the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) or the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT). The TMT would be interesting in particular to look at (once built) because of the controversy over its site.
questioned my career path to continue studying astrophysics.
Specifically, I could see myself using the information I have learned here to apply to programs that are harnessing cross-disciplinary techniques.
would want to look more into studies that use data analysis and imaging techniques and quantify how those techniques better inform the policy decisions for urban centers or the diagnoses in medical situations.
I would want to look into other fields, keeping my ears open for other ways that the techniques learned in astrophysics could help move the needle in other fields.
As something that is done almost entirely for the sake of knowledge alone, we need to conduct scientific research in a way that empowers people rather than setting them back
more of these studies could be done, especially in light of the costs of building the JWST and the controversy around the site of the TMT.
Non-Astro Scientists
Non-scientists
Perhaps political individuals can learn from the international collaboration done in the name of astrophysics.
Astrophysics is not just some isolated field that does its share of navel-gazing, nor should it be.
The potential of collaboration itself adds another layer of inspiration for humanity to benefit from. Perhaps we can better learn how to address other international issues from the way that scientists do.
bolstering scientific endeavors brings everyone forward
Astrophysics inspires students to pursue a whole swath of STEM fields
There have been numerous studies on how the level of scientific education is correlated to the success of a nation.
assess their own fields in a similar way
Scientists
look to astrophysicists to help solve problems they are having in their field.
foster scientists who look outside of their field
see how their activities affect the world away from their research
true value of the benefits will become clearer and stronger.
more educated public