Public involvement

Many millions of pounds of public money are invested in scientific research each year, yet there is very little public debate of how it is spent. The Government is actively encouraging scientists to undertake research that may have commercial application and to build links with industry. The production of GM crops and foods and the development of personalised diets are examples of how genetics is being applied in the hope that wealth will be generated through new products. There are important questions about whether sustainable agriculture and public health goals are being well served through the dominance of economic drivers of research. The independence of science is also at stake.

GeneWatch believes that greater debate and public involvement is needed in decisions about research priorities. GeneWatch supports initiatives which facilitate public engagement, such as the 'GM Nation?' debate about the use of GM crops in the UK, and the Human Genetics Commission's Citizens' Inquiry on the National DNA Database.

In 2007/08 we took part in an EC-funded project Participatory Science and Scientific Participation, which investigated the role of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in decision-making about GM crops and foods.

In 2008 we began another EC-funded project Facilitating Alternative Agro-Food Networks. This involves co-operative research, involving CSOs and academics, in five countries. It aims to find out what helps or hinders community food initiatives - such as allotments, box schemes and farmers' markets - and to make policy recommendations.

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