Quick Dips

Talking Technology with the Public

The public is being invited to debate issues surrounding the genetic engineering of plants as part of a series of national "Talking Technology" conferences. The first conference, on plant biotechnology, will be held in Wellington in August.

The conference series is based on the "consensus conference" concept developed in Denmark in response to concern about the impacts of new technologies . A 16-person panel will be selected to broadly represent society, consisting of people with no direct experience in the biotechnology field or vested interest in the conference outcome. Panel members will be introduced to plant biotechnology topics over two weekend-long retreats, during which they will also formulate key questions to be discussed and reported on at the public conference.

The conference, open to the public, will involve discussions between the panel and representative experts in biotechnology and related social issues. A report prepared by the panel will be publicised as a basis for community discussion, and a guide to decision-making within the government and the scientific community.

David Russell of the Consumers Institute believes the conferences will help break down the mystique of science and technology and remove barriers between the public and the "sometimes arrogant" scientific world.

Jocelyn Keith, National Vice President of the National Council of Women, also supports the concept.

"I see it providing an opportunity for scientists at the cutting edge of technology to promote their work, and equally for the public to provide valuable feedback to help determine the direction of that technology," she says.