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Past EMBL Forum Lectures |
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2003 |
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| 8 July 2003 |
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| Communication
strategies on biotechnology |
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Giorgos Sakellaris, Institute of Biotechnology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, Greece
Modern
Biotechnology has more and more the tools and the potential
to improve dramatically the efficiency in many aspects of
life. The marketing of genetically made products and services
has not been without opposition. Some research scientists
and the Bio Industry who support progress in biotechnology
claim that genetically modified products don't significantly
add risks. To this conflict the public opinion is of a very
important value. The Eurobarometer survey regularly conducted
in all EU countries demonstrated that Europeans take – in
general – an optimistic view on the developments of modern
Biotechnology. However this is certainly not a blind optimism.
They may emphasize benefits in certain areas, but they also
warn of potential risks. To the changing behavior in public
attitudes versus biotechnology between countries contributes
the level and quality of information. The development of well-balanced
public information has to be structured in reasonable interactions
involving objective information and public dialogue. The communication
issues are of crucial importance. Although their communication
skills are poor, sscientists increasingly communicate with
the general public because, these days, public relation is
a must. This exercise, however, is not always free of friction.
What scientists say does not always meet a friendly general
public, and the way scientists react to such luke-warm responses
often does not make things any better for them. It is interesting
to examine the impact to the public dialogue of issues like
Truth, Appeal, Reputation, Ideology or lack of ideology, Common
orientation, Trust, and Sense of justice, raised by the scientific
community.
Dr. Giorgos Sakellaris is the head of
the office of Communication and Bioethics which belongs to
the Institute of Biotechnology in National Hellenic Research
Foundation. |
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