Role of the Public and Public Interest Groups 

From ABSF/ABNETA research activities, we know that the public at large, and public interest groups in particular, are seeking more active participation in the decision making process related to science policy.
In the decade, many groups of citizens have been raising concerns about technological development in the field of biotechnology. Focusing on potential consequences, these groups mainly want to avoid possible negative effects at the social, environmental, cultural and ethical levels.

 Role of the Media in Public Awareness

Several different and sometimes conflicting constituencies have an interest in the development of biotechnology. In the broader sense, though, this session focuses on the proper relationship between the biotechnology community and the media.