Communication strategies on biotechnology
8 July 2003
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.