In 1985 the British Association, the Royal Institution and The Royal Society founded the Committee on the Public Understanding of Science in response to the 1985 Royal Society report 'The Public Understanding of Science'. Known simply as Copus, the aim of the organisation was to interpret these scientific advances and make them more accessible to non-scientists.

It succeeded in opening up the research community to the wider world, and establishing standards for communicating science and it can claim to have laid the foundations of a huge expansion of public understanding of science work by amongst others, Research Councils, universities, professional bodies for scientists and engineers, media, charities, museums and industries.

In 2000, Copus underwent a significant review, and was remodelled as a more inclusive partnership for science communication in the UK. The new Copus Council, which first met in the spring of 2001, benefited from the direct input of research funding bodies, learned institutions, museums, science centres and the media, as well as the three original founding organisations.

In October 2002, the Office of Science and Technology commissioned the BA (British Association for the Advancement of Science) to conduct a study looking at how Government should receive advice on science communication policy and activities from other organisations. Following the publication of the BA's report 'Science in Society', the three organisations that founded Copus issued a joint statement on 6 December 2002 announcing that the Copus Council would be stood down.

The Copus Grant Schemes and associated workshops and publications continue, and is managed by the Royal Society.

The Copus Grant Schemes are funded by the Office of Science and Technology and The Royal Society.

© Copyright The Royal Society, Registered Charity Number 207043
All rights reserved 2001-2004 | Terms and Conditions | Privacy Policy