Тиетта. 2010, N 3 (13).

2 под словами финского коллеги и приглашаю всех к участию в журнале. Наши темы: новые и хоро­ шо забытые старые идеи в геологии, диалектика фундаментальных и прикладных аспектов геоло­ гии, этические аспекты геологии в современном обществе, роль геологии в научном мировоззре­ нии, история науки на Кольском Севере, геологи­ ческие экскурсии, путешествия, дискуссии, кри­ тика, библиография, новости . - всё, что уместно в научно-популярном и информационном жур­ нале Геологического института КНЦ РАН и Коль­ ского отделения РМО. Главный редактор «Тиетты» Ю.Л. Войтеховский, д.г.-м.н., проф. ON POPULARIZING SCIENCE IN GENERAL AND GEOLOGY IN PARTICULAR The experience of issuing twelve volumes of The Tietta and communicating with its authors makes me think that it is difficult to speak on the fundamental science in a comprehensive way, despite most those at the science appeal to their being «extremely busy» and their «must to be engaged in the real science» and not belles-lettres. The proof of the above words is the fact that the best examples of the science pop­ ularizing have been given by outstanding scientists themselves (it was certainly Acad. A.E. Fersman in mineralogy) and that even outstanding scientists of­ ten fail to channel the science to laymen. But we must do it, minding the greatest importance of the science for the community, starting from moulding scientif­ ic views and ending up with a practical application. This idea was well-presented by Arto Luttinen in his article «Let's talk about science!» in the magazine of the Geological Survey of Finland (Geologi. 2010. № 3. Р 115). Popularizing science is a challenge and often controversial task within the scientific community. Despite the great importance of geological knowl­ edge in relation to economy, politics, and our life and environment in general, the public understanding of geology is at poor state - not only among the com­ mon people but, alarmingly, among scientists as well. It seems like we have failed in passing our mes­ sage somehow. The success of any communication reflects the level of interest in the partaking people. In the case of basic research, geologists are frequently faced with doubts about the general value of the enterprise. The slow rhythm plate tectonics is difficult to compre­ hend by the laymen. Occasionally, however, geol­ ogy makes it to the headlines when natural disasters, such as earthquakes or volcanic events cause anxiety, but also temporarily increase interest in Earth's pro­ cesses. Geology is intimately involved with the on­ going discussion on the climate change, but not ev­ eryone acknowledges our expertise. In the context of resources, prejudice regarding our motivations and purported moral dilemmas undermine objective dis­ course. Overall, the importance of geology tends to be most clearly manifested in issues that raise con­ cern in the audience, which casts a shadow over our social outreach. Easy answers to complex questions are hard to give, but when interviewed as a special­ ist, we should give answers and not just hum about uncertainties. simplification is essential if we aim to attend the public debate so that also the voice of geol­ ogy will be heard. Much remains to be done. I for one set my hope for children. We must strive to advance school teach­ ers' understanding of geology and take advantage off the recent union between geography and geosciences at the University of Helsinki. Popular science activities have not been very popular within the geological community, but hope­ fully, the attitude will be changing and this demand­ ing and important task will be taken forward by many. Practicing popular geology we develop skills that are fundamentally important also in professional discussion. Moreover, sharing the excitement and en­ thusiasm with our audience and knowing that less is left upon pure supposition can be a great personal reward». I am glad that our neighbours are profoundly engaged in popularizing science. In means that The Tietta is in the mainstream, or, as my students say, «in the loop». I totally agree with my Finnish colleague's words and invite everybody to take part in the maga­ zine life. Our topics are to follow: new ideas for geol­ ogy and old good ones that are new again, fundamen­ tal vs applied geology, ethic aspects of geology in the contemporary community, role of geology in shaping a scientific view, history of science on the Kola North, geological excursions, travelings, discussions, criti­ cal articles, bibliography, news - everything fitting in the educational and informational magazine of the Geological Institute KSC RAS and Kola Branch of the Russian Mineralogical Society. The Tietta Editor-in-Chief Dr. Sci. (Geol.-mineral.), Prof. Yu.L. Voytekhovsky