Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Scientific literacy has been the subject of studies for several decades, but there is much less interest in the social perception of science, traceability of key areas of scientific activity and social expectations regarding science. Proper recognition of such issues can significantly contribute to a better understanding of the causes of the crisis of trust in science and help to find an effective and socially acceptable solution to mitigate it. Our study was aimed at identifying and systematizing the public needs and expectations towards medical and health sciences, based on the example of the population of Katowice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was carried out using a mixed, qualitative-quantitative methodology. Based on the conclusions of the in-depth interviews, a questionnaire was constructed to check the level of awareness of residents of Katowice obtaining the title of the European City of Science 2024 and the respondents' opinion on the development of medical and health sciences. 400 inhabitants of the city and/or people associated with it through their work or education took part in the questionnaire survey. RESULTS: Only 7.8% of respondents had in-depth knowledge about the European City of Science 2024 project, with further 28.8% declaring some level of general knowledge of the issue. Study participants associated medical and health sciences with health promotion and clinical specialties (43% and 33,5% respectively). In terms of further development of medical and health sciences in Katowice study participants prioritized mainly development of research in chronic and lifestyle-related diseases (51%) and the need of development of prevention and health promotion (46.3%) as well as clinical medicine (32.8%). The inhabitants of the city recognize the resources of the city and the region in the field of medical sciences and health sciences as large and with high development potential. CONCLUSIONS: The events organized as part of the European City of Science 2024 should become a good opportunity to promote and disseminate knowledge about the achievements and development potential of the City and the Region in the field of medical and health sciences.