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In a context where science is more and more harnessed towards the sole objective of innovation, the rise of citizens’ movements claiming a right to control the orientation of science and technologies is perceived by many scientists as an increased threat of both an additional loss of autonomy and a growing obscurantism. We analyze such tensions in terms of epistemic values of scientific endeavors versus social values and argue that the much needed dialogue between science and society requires to respect the professional autonomy which guaranties the impartiality of scientific work as well as the rights of the civil society to contribute to the debate concerning the definition of research priorities.