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 has helped develop new methods of assessment which allow a broader range of interests in decision making (such as mutli-criteria mapping).

Resources

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