Scientific Expertise and Policy-making: the intermediary role of the public sphere

The public sphere is a common place in which members of society meet to discuss matters of mutual interest. It as tempting to scientists as a jar of honey is to bees. This is an important role for scientists. To be accountable for possible impliations of research must not be the exception: it should be part of the standard repertoire according to which democratic control is maintained in the public sphere.