European Federation on Biotechnology - Task Group on Public Perceptions of Biotechnology (2)

• Research unit: EU RFP
• Project number: 97.0571-1

Key words (English)

Biotechnology; public perception; dialogue; benefits and risks

Alternative project number (English)

EU project number: BIO4CT980529

Research programs (English)

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

Short description (English)

See abstract

Partners and International Organizations (English)

Coordinator country: NL

Abstract (English)

For 10 years the task group on public perceptions of biotechnology has been promoting and conducting a public dialogue on many different applications of biotechnology. The task group has around 50 members from all european countries. Some members come from biotechnology, whilst others are from many different fields of science and the humanities.

The task group has been involved in surveys of public opinion, in particular in the framework of the eurobarometer studies. These surveys show country-specific differences and also commonalities. In general, europeans are ambilvalent about biotechnology. Medical applications like making new drugs and vaccines are well received, whilst applications in the food area are viewed with scepticism by many people. The criticism is based more on gut feeling than on scientific fact and objective risk assessment.

In the past year the task group has been organising several international workshops, one for instance in bern on biodiversity and biotechnology, and one in helsinki on transgenic animals. The task group is proactive also by putting out printed material and information on its web site. Fact sheets on the tryptophan incident and the brazil nut allergy case have appeared and more will be forthcoming. Task group members have been invited to give talks in many different settings and different places.

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: 97.0571-1