EFB TG PPB: European Federation of Biotechnology. Task group on public perceptions of biotechnology

• Research unit: EU RFP
• Project number: 95.0465-2

Key words (English)

Biotechnology; agriculture; food; public perception; public participation; science communication; bioethics

Alternative project number (English)

EU project number: BIO4CT950135

Research programs (English)

EU-programme: 4. Frame Research Programme - 4.1 Biotechnology

Short description (English)

See abstract

Further information (English)

Full name of research-institution/enterprise:
B.I.C.S.
Biotechnologie Information und Kommunikation Schweiz

Partners and International Organizations (English)

Concerted action N°BIO4-CT95-0135 of the Commission and Cambridge Biomedical Consultants for the European Federation of Biotechnology, with more than 50 members from Europe Biotechnology scene

Abstract (English)

This coordinated project is to increase public awareness and understanding of biotechnology throughout Europe, and to encourage informed and open debate. As part of the Swiss Priority Programme Biotechnology, B.I.C.S. has the same mission in Switzerland. The actions are untertaken by six working groups focusing on reasearch on public perception, on biotechnology Industry, on media, on politics, on research and education in biotechnology, and on dialogue with consumers and environmental organizations.
The accomplishments of the last monthes comprise:
· Preparation of and participation to a conference in Vienna 'Biotechnology in public. DNA and quality of life', 2-4 December 1998, organized by the task group together with UNIDO for the 25th anniversary of the advent of recombinant DNA. The Conference has provided a forum for looking at biotechnology innovation in its wider socio-economic context.
· Preparation of a task group conference in Bruxelles: „European Biotechnology Forum: public perception and Public policy' 15-16 December 1998.
· Preparation of the follow-up of the Round-table Discussion held on April 21th 1998, to organize a european platform of dialogue dealing with consumer issues in relation to application of biotechnology in foods and agriculture. BICS will be main organizer of a two-day workshop foreseen for the end of the year, with selected participants. Its objective is to learn from the experience of the Swiss 'Werkstatt Ernährung & Gentechnologie' and working groups from other European countries.
· Preparation of a european workshop with genetic disability organisations on issues relating to human genetics an genetic medicine (postponed).
· Several publications: Two briefing papers ('Lessons from the Swiss biotechnology referendum' and the revised edition of Environmental Biotechnology)

References in databases (English)

Swiss Database: Euro-DB of the
State Secretariat for Education and Research
Hallwylstrasse 4
CH-3003 Berne, Switzerland
Tel. [phone]
Swiss Project-Number: 95.0465-2