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

• Research unit: EU RFP
• Project number: 97.0571-2

Key words (English)

Biotechnology; public perception; public debate; gmo; food; agriculture

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

Further information (English)

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

Abstract (English)

The task group works to increase public awareness and understanding of biotechnology and life sciences throughout Europe, to encourage informed and open debate about their applications and to facilitate dialogue between interested parties. As part of the Swiss Priority Programme Biotechnology, B.I.C.S. has the same mission in Switzerland.
The group consists of some 50 members from almost all European countries. Activities are undertaken by six working groups focusing on biotechnology Industry, media, politics, research and education in biotechnology, on dialogue with consumers and environmental organizations or on research on public perception.
The accomplishments of the working group on dialogue with consumers and environmental organizations comprise:
· Preparation of and participation to a two-day workshop 'Handling scientific uncertainty in decision-making in Europe' held in London 17-18th April 2000.
· Preparation of a European workshop with genetic disability organisations on issues relating to human genetics an genetic medicine
· Participation to the 1999 European Congress on Biotechnology -ECB 9-, 12/16 July 1999 in Brussels
· Several publications:
- Update of 'Biotechnology for Non Specialists: a handbook of information sources', a 368 pages, ring-bound, updatable handbook covering publications, sources of information about biotechnology for non specialists professionals and the general public, in the various languages and countries. The various organisations throughout Europe, to which enquiries for information can be made, are listed.
- Briefing paper prepared in English and translated in German and French widely distributed and down-loaded on the website ('Biotechnology Legislation in Central & Eastern Europe, Lessons from the Swiss biotechnology referendum')
The Task Group is presently going through a intern process of re-organisation of its structure and activities, in order to optimalize the synergies between members and the outcome of the projects.

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: 97.0571-2