Improving public understanding of engineering is very essential to engineers. On one hand, good public knowledge of engineering helps new technologies propagate more widely. That is what engineers expect to see. Ordinary people usually have no specific idea about what exactly a new technology is. Taking nanotechnology as an example, according to the national survey in America (Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies, 2007), when asked whether people will purchase food enhanced with nanotechnology, 62 percent of respondents say they need more information before they make a decision. The lack of professional information and knowledge for public impedes the widespread adoption of new technologies among the majority of the society. On the other hand, a general public support can bring the prosperity of engineering since engineers require considerable funds for various research and development. For instance, from the latest news on Channel Newsasia (Hoe, 2008), Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University launches S$20 million for intensifying its engineering, half from Tan Chin Tuan Centennial Fund and the other from the government. This is mainly attributed to people’s understanding as well as government’s support. Full popular awareness of engineering greatly affirms people’s faith in developing engineering and its underlying science. In short, engineering needs individual’s concern and support for its popularization
References
Hoe, Yeen Nie (2008, August 19). NTU Launches S$20m Fund To Boost Engineering Expertise. Channel Newsasia. Retrieved August 20, 2008,from http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/369715/1/.html
Project on Emerging Nanotechnologies (2007, September 26). Public Awareness Of Nanotechnology Stuck At Low Level, According To Polls. ScienceDaily. Retrieved August 20, 2008, from http://www.sciencedaily.com¬ /releases/2007/09/070925081413.htm.
