Berlin, Germany
May 12, 2009
Source:
GMO Safety
BIOSAFENET Conference
29 June 2009
Berlin Germany
A main goal of
BIOSAFENET, an EU-funded network of European scientists, is
robust public information on the biosafety research conducted on
genetically modified (GM) plants. In the long-standing debate on
the safety of transgenic crops, such research and its
comprehensive, enlightening results often have been relegated to
a subordinate role or ignored altogether. However, a scientific
basis is needed for the socio-political decision-making frames
and the responsible and sustainable application of such
technology in agriculture and the food industry. BIOSAFENET and
other European initiatives contribute to the bundling of
biosafety knowledge. The BIOSAFENET project was conceived as an
important tool for objective policy consultation and as a
comprehensive source of biosafety information for a broad
section of the public.
At the conference, BIOSAFENET will present its achievements in
strengthening a wide network of European biosafety researchers
and in the promotion of dialogue among researchers, as well as
between scientists and the public. Two further initiatives, the
Public Research and Regulation Initiative (PRRI) and the
International Society for Biosafety Research, will also present
their activities.
A briefing has been planned for the press with representatives
from BIOSAFENET, ISBR and PRRI. Information booths will
represent ISBR as well as other research and communications
initiatives such as bioSicherheit (a BMBF-sponsored
communications platform of German biosafety projects) and the
International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology
(ICGEB).
The conference concludes with a podium discussion of the topic,
"What does the public need for opinion making? Available
information sources on biosafety results". The attending
European biosafety initiatives seek dialogue with stakeholders
and journalists about their information needs and about more
direct pathways towards closer exchange of information and
opinions between science and the public. Central attention
should be focused towards the appropriate format and content of
information offers.
Further
information:
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