News

Search for experts in all fields of Biotech has begun

In order to launch the "Ask the Scientist" project on this website, the Task Group on Public Perceptions has started looking for experts to work with them to answer all biotechnology related questions from the public

Health, food & life

New website on " Biotechnology and Health, food & life". Site moderator Chantal Gill'ard is looking for publications, news items, events and people to discuss with on areas relating to above mentioned topics. Engaging experts in the biotech field with other members in the public society worldwide. Building bridges, focussing on food, life and health topics from an ethical, technical and political view, the latter is in relation to social development . Equality among women and men in all EFB Task Group on Public Perceptions activities plays a keyrole of the Health, food & life project.

EFBpublic website goes into test phase

The website of the European Federation of Biotechnology Task Group on Public Perceptions of Biotechnology has gone online for a select testing group for the period of two weeks. The website is planned to become available to the larger web community in early february.

Dutch show reluctance towards biotechnology

Public Debate: conclusions and recommendations to the Government The Dutch public has reservations about the application of biotechnology in food production. That was the conclusion of a recent public debate on food and genetics. The large majority did however feel that the application of gene technology in food production could be allowed under stringent conditions. These were the conclusions of the Commission on Biotechnology and Food, chaired by Jan Terlouw, former Minister of Economic Affairs. On 9 January 2002 the Commission presented its final report and conclusions to the Minister of Agriculture, Nature Management and Fisheries, Laurens Jan Brinkhorst.

New link to website on regulations in Central and Eastern Europe

http://biosafety.abc.hu/CEE is a clear, and well-organised website providing detailed information on national biosafety frameworks and activities in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). The purpose of the CEE Biosafety web site is to provide information about biosafety frameworks and biosafety activities in the region of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE)

Biotech Key Organisations database downloadable

The EFB Task Group on Public Perceptions of Biotechnology maintains a database containing descriptions and contact information of some 250 key biotechnology organisations in Europe.

Biotechnology Acronyms added to the site

 

Task Group Publications added to library

 

Briefing Paper added to library

 

Publications added to Library

 

SCIDEV.NET Website on Science & Sustainability

SciDev.Net is pleased to announce a new section of its website which contains news and opinion articles, as well as a discussion forum, on the topic of 'Science & Sustainability'

Nicola Crowden: Examining Gender Bias in Studies for Innovation Policy Making

Nicola Crowden (research assistant for the Centre for policy Research on Science and Technology Vancouver) is doing a research on Gender Sensitivity of Innovation and Cluster Research Instruments. The results will be published on this website soon.The objective of this research proposal is to investigate whether interview-based research tools used in projects researching the new economy have an underlying gender bias. Read more about the research proposal.

DTI Return-To-Science Scheme for Mums

A new pilot scheme to help mothers wishing to return to science engineering and technology (SET) jobs was announced on 13 September 2002 by the Trade and Industry Secretary Patricia Hewitt.

BioTIK Reports on Biotechnology Ethics

Two reports from the BioTIK-secretariat, "Ethical Principles in European Regulation of Biotechnology", and: "Gene Technology and Ethics in the Plant and Foods Area", have now been published on this site's library.

UK GM Science Review

The scientific community and members of the public interested in the science of Genetic Modification (GM) are being invited to take part in a full and open independent scientific review to examine the extent of current scientific knowledge behind GM, with particular focus on crops.

DTI Report: Recommendations to increase the number of women scientists

At the request of the UK Trade and Industry Secretary, Patricia Hewitt, a new report by Baroness Greenfield CBE was published 28 November 2002 tackling the gender gap in science, engineering and technology. The report gives a number of recommendations to improve the recruitment and retention of female engineers and scientists.

Top ten biotechnologies for improving health in developing countries

A report written by Abdallah S. Daar, Douglas K. Martin, Shauna Nast, Peter A. Singer, Alyna C. Smith & Halla Thorsteindottir from the University of Toronto Joint Center for Bioethics.

TES Teacher Inside Story: 'Animal Pharm' by Roger Straughan and Michael Reiss

This article on the arguments for and against the use of genetic engineering, written by Roger Straughan and Michael Reiss, appeared 15 november 2002 in Times Educational Supplement's Teacher Magazine.

EU's 6th Framework Programme

The first calls for proposals for the European Union's 6th Framework Programme (FP6) for research and technological development, which will run from 2002 - 2006, have been launched 17 December 2002.

EMBO to coordinate EU funded project to support science teachers

Heidelberg, February 7, 2003. The European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO) announces the signing of a contract for EURO 710.000 with the European Commission to coordinate a project under the title "Continuing Education for European Biology Teachers".

Nexia starts research on development of a biocavenger to prevent toxic effects of nerve agents in milk of transgenic goats.

4-4-2003. Nexia is going to develop Protexia(TM), a bioscavenger, in the milk of transgenic goats in cooperation with the US Army Medical Research Materiel Command (USAMRMC). Protexia(TM) is a recombinant form of butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), BChE is a natural bioscavenger which may be used to prevent the toxic effects of nerve agents and other organophosphate (OP) compounds.

DNA chip gives drug advice

14-4-2003. In the future doctors will be able to personally tailor drugs in the treatment of patients by using DNA tests. The developers at Roche claim the patients don't need to try out a series of drugs when using the chip, thereby reducing the risk on side effects or reactions, before finding the right one for them.

Gene test for breast cancer spread

8-5-2003. Scientists at Duke University Medical Center in North Carolina developed a genetic test which helps predict the spread of breast cancer and a woman's chances of surviving the disease.

Human stem cell patents can be OK, says UK Patent Office

14-4-2003. The commercial exploitation of inventions concerning certain types of human embryonic stem cells is not contrary to public policy or morality in the UK and so they should not be excluded from patentability, according to a Patent Office announcement last week.

Lack of information and public scepticism on agricultural biotechnology contribute to biotech companies leaving Europe

14-3-2003. Commission surveys published today indicate that, while most Europeans are in favour of medical applications of biotechnology, they are still sceptical about agricultural and food-related biotech. This, combined with an uncertain legal situation and doubts on future commercial markets, is leading to a sharp decrease in biotech research in

Why are most Europeans opposed to GMOs?

18-3-2003. Factors explaining rejection in France and Europe. A strong movement of opposition to GMOs developed in the late 1990s in many countries, especially in Europe, although these technologies were presented from the outset as highly promising and their advantages were often highlighted. How can this rejection be explained?

Scientists Discover Unique Source of Postnatal Stem Cells

21-4-2003. Scientists report for the first time that “baby” teeth, the temporary teeth that children begin losing around their sixth birthday, contain a rich supply of stem cells in their dental pulp.The researchers say this unexpected discovery could have important implications because the stem cells remain alive inside the tooth for a short time after it falls out of a child’s mouth, suggesting the cells could be readily harvested for research.

US files WTO case against EU on GM food of crops

13-5-2003. The US files a long-anticipated case in the World Trade Organisation for refusing to allow the sale of genetically modified (GM) food or crops. "The EU's persistent resistance to abiding by its WTO obligations has perpetuated a trade barrier unwarranted by the EC's own scientific analysis, which impedes the global use of a technology that could be of great benefit to farmers and consumers around the world," said Robert Zoellick, US Trade Representative.

European Commission regrets US decision to file WTO case on GMOs as misguided and unnecessary

13-5-2003. The US announced today their intention to request WTO consultations on the EU's authorisation system for genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The European Commission regrets this move as legally unwarranted, economically unfounded and politically unhelpful. EU Trade Commissioner Pascal Lamy said: "The EU's regulatory system for GMO's authorisation is in line with WTO rules: it is clear, transparent and non-discriminatory. There is therefore no issue that the WTO needs to examine. The US claim that there is a so-called "moratorium" but the fact is that the EU has authorised GM varieties in the past and is currently processing applications. So what is the real US motive in bringing a case? "David Byrne, EU Commissioner for Health and Consumer protection stated: "We have been working hard in Europe to complete our regulatory system in line with the latest scientific and international developments. The finalisation process is imminent. This is essential to restore consumer confidence in GMO's in Europe." Mr. Byrne recalled that it is the lack of consumer demand for GM-products that accounts for the low sales of GMOs in the EU market. "Unless consumers see that the authorisation process is up to date and takes into account all legitimate concerns, consumers will continue to remain sceptical of GM products." EU Commissioner for the Environment Margot Wallstrom added: "This US move is unhelpful. It can only make an already difficult debate in Europe more difficult. But in the meantime, the Commission strongly believes that we in Europe should move ahead with completing our legislation on traceability and labelling and on food and feed, currently before the European Parliament. We should not be deflected or distracted from pursuing the right policy for the EU."

Biotech Crops Continue Rapid Global Growth

15-1-2003 Nearly 6 million farmers chose biotech last year. Biotechnology continues to be a growing choice among farmers worldwide as global acreage of crops enhanced through biotech increased by 12 percent, or 15 million acres in 2002, according to a new report released today from the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA).

Does public opinion matter?

Does public opinion on genetically modified crops influence the decision making of the government? Today's UK environment minister Michael Meacher came close to suggesting the answer is "it doesn't matter". According to the minister, the key and sole criteria for taking action in regard to GM crops is: are they a harm, a risk to health or the environment? Read the report of Donald MacLeod in the Guardian Unlimited.

UK Environment Minister at Launch of Independent Science Panel

UK Environment Minister Michael Meacher addressed an historic gathering at which dozens of prominent scientists launched themselves as an Independent Science Panel (ISP) to counteract what they see to be a concerted campaign by the government and the scientific establishment to promote genetic modification (GM) under the guise of ‘sound’ science.

European parliament votes on GMO legislations

In a number of important respects, the common position agrees with the proposals made by Parliament at first reading. The principal provisions of the common position are as follows:

No risk in GM food, say doctors

The British Medical Association is reconsidering there advice on the health risks of genetically-modified foods. According to the Head of Science and Ethics, 'no evidence' has been seen of a possible threat to the Human Health.

Kickoff of the UK GM food debate stayed quiet!

The debate is meant to reach out to ordinary people up and down the country, engaging the public on the subject of genetically modified crops. The first of the public debates on whether or not Britain should push ahead with GM crops began in Birmingham yesterday. But what the government is describing as "a national discussion like no other" and "a unique experiment to find out what ordinary people think",started with the absence of actual ordinary people.

Biology since the double helix, Teachers Workshop

On the 23-24 May 2003 the 2 international practical workshop for science teachers took place in Heidelberg. The series of European Workshops are organized by the European Molecular Biology Organization in cooperation with the EFB and EMBL. The workshop was a great success, more then one hundred participants visited the workshop in Heidelberg

European Biotech: Surviving the storm

Ernst & Young's 10th Annual European biotech report, "Endurance" published 7 May 2003, reveals that after a decade of 30-40% year on year growth in revenues and 10-20% increases in employee numbers, the European biotech sector stalled in 2002. Revenues fell by 2% to €12.9 billion and employee numbers fell by 6% to 82,100.

GM crops can reduce poverty in the developing world, reports claim

Genetically modified (GM) crops have the potential to improve agricultural processes, increase food security and reduce poverty in developing world, according to two recently published reports. Read the news article on these 2 reports by respectively the International Council for Science and the UK's Nuffield Council on Bioethics, on the Cordis website.

India's GM seed piracy

Farmers in India seem to have no problems at all with with genetic modification in cotton plants. But instead of using Monsanto's insect-resistant cotton, they are creating new GM varieties by illegally cross-breeding Monsanto's products with local plants. Read the whole article by BBC news on:

No proof of GM Health risks

The 'new' UK Environment Minister Elliot Morley said that GM foods have never been shown to pose any risk to human health. He said this a day after the 'old' UK Environment Minister Michael Meacher warned the government against rushing the debate on GM food. According to him the the studies on the effects of GM foods on human health had been "scientifically vacuous". Read the story by BBC news

Blood brothers: how newly born Jamie offers hope to Charlie

'Designer baby' controversy rages after couple circumvent British laws on embryo selection to help son beat his life-threatening illness The birth of every baby is an emotional moment for the parents, but the delivery of 7lb 10oz Jamie Whitaker at a Sheffield hospital on Monday resonated far beyond his close family.

New UN standards on GM foods a `victory for consumers’

Rome: The Codex Alimentarius Commission, the UN food standards agency today adopted three sets of standards on safety of genetically modified food (GMOs) that support strong regulations for these foods.

GMOs: Commission publishes recommendations to ensure co-existence of GM and non-GM crops

Today the European Commission published guidelines for the development of strategies and best practices to ensure the co-existence of genetically modified (GM) crops with conventional and organic farming. They are intended to help Member States to develop workable measures for co-existence in conformity with EU legislation. The guidelines set out the general principles and the technical and procedural aspects to be taken into account, and provide a list of possible actions that could be tailored for implementation at national or regional or local level.

Consumers 'favour GM crops'

BBC Newsline programme in Northern Ireland did research on if people would prefer genetically modified blight resistant potatoes rather than conventional crops which rely on frequent spraying with fungicides. Almost half of the consumers who voted said they would prefer genetically modified crops to the use of chemical sprays in conventional food production.

Genomics for developing countries

More crop per drop was one of the many catching slogans in Dr. Ismail Serageldin’s dazzling presentation on Tuesday 26 August in Basel. The European Congress on Biotechnology succeeded through the past Vice-President of the World Bank to demonstrate the links between plant biotechnology, waste water treatment, genomics, pharmaceutical innovations, society issues, business development and the importance of patenting. He clearly showed that investing in Developing Countries is business and will be crucial to implement and market our future innovations!

Advanced Course on Biotechnology Ethics and Public Perceptions of Biotechnology

 

EU Focus Workshop Report: Who should communicate with the public and how?

This report summarises the key findings and suggestions from four focus workshops on ‘Who should communicate with the public and how?’ held in Warsaw, Brussels, Copenhagen and Madrid respectively from Autumn 2002 to Spring 2003.

Report: "Public Information and Public Participation in the context of Directives 90/220 and 2001/18"

The report of the European workshop "Public Information and Public Participation in the context of Directives 90/220 and 2001/18", by Schenkelaars Biotechnology Consultancy, Leiden, The Netherlands, can now be found on our website library.

IFT Article: "Pasteur and Biotechnology: Lessons from the Past"

The IFT Food Technology Backpage Article: "Pasteur and Biotechnology: Lessons from the Past" by Prof. Joseph H. Hotchkiss can now be found in our website library.

Interview with former President of EFB, Trends in Biotechnology Profile Article

In this article former President of the European Federation of Biotechnology (EFB), explains what the EFB is and what its aims and priorities are, and outlines his views on the present and future role of biotechnology in modern society.

FOCUS workshops in Warsaw and Brussels

The summary statements from the first and second of a series of four EU Focus workshops on "Who should communicate with the public and how?" are now available.

European Commission's Conference on Human Genetic Testing

On 6-7 May 2004, the European Commission Directorate "Science and Society" - "Ethics and Science" is organising in Brussels a citizens' and stakeholders' conference on <strong>"Human genetic testing, what implications?"<strong>

Dutch national school competition Imagine... creates enthusiasm for biotechnology with high school students

Imagine... tries to put the science to the test. This project aims to bring life scientists and high school students together to apply concrete ideas in the life sciences for the benefit of developing countries.

High school students win with biodiesel for Mozambique

By presenting their plans on producing green diesel from algae in Mozambique, 17 year old Sonja Boas and Chang Liu of the Baarnsch Lyceum in Baarn (the Netherlands) have won this year's Imagine 2003 - 2004 school competition award. The girls from Baarn will pay a visit to Mozambique in 2005 to assist in carrying out their winning project. Their presentation was one of five Imagine-presentations being held during the international conference Genomics Momentum in congress centre 'de Doelen' in Rotterdam.

Oxford Workshop enriching and unforgettable experience.

17 - 26 June 2002 Over a 10 day period 25 participants and 19 speakers gathered at the St. Edmund Hall in Oxford to discuss and exchange views on Biotechnology Ethics and Public Perceptions of Biotechnology.

ASEM workshop 22-24 June 2002, Kuala Lumpur

The ASEM workshop (Asia Europe Meeting) gathered 31 delegates from Europe (14) and Asia (17) to discuss the ethical issues generated by the use of modern biotechnology in the agrofood sector. ASEM forms a basis of collaboration between Europe and Asia on Food Safety, integrated in the FP6 framework of the European Community.

Ending poverty 'requires US$70 billion in research aid

One developing-country member of the task force on hunger, for example, said she was disappointed that its recommendations made no mention of the potential for biotechnology in achieving food security..

European Commission launches an open consultation on Nanotechnology

The Commission has launched a wide consultation on its Communication “Towards a European Strategy for Nanotechnology” in which it proposed an integrated and responsible approach for developing nanosciences and nanotechnologies in Europe. This consultation will help to shape future initiatives in Europe, always with an eye on applications and implications at global level. Nanotechnology is anticipated as the possible key for a next industrial revolution.

Europass Opens Doors to Learning and Working in Europe

Europass is a new way of travel identification and presenting one's skills and qualifications clearly in a way that can be easily understood in European Union, EFTA/EEA and candidate countries.

Nanoforum Report: Outcome of the Open Consultation on the European Strategy for Nanotechnology

This report provides an analysis of the online questionare launched by Nanoforum in direct response to the wide consultation on the EC's Communication “Towards a European Strategy for Nanotechnology”.

Invitation to biannual platform meeting of the NBV (Netherlands Biotechnological Society)

Theme of the meeting: "Biotechnology: From Bench to Market." Or: how to translate a good idea into a successful product. The different aspects of this theme including intellectual property and technical aspects will be dealt with.

Announcement: 1st Advanced Course on Strategic Communication and Applied Ethics in Nanobiotechnology, 11–16 March 2007, St Edmund Hall, Oxford

This five-day Advanced Course for nanobiotechnologists will enable the participants to carry out a wide variety of public communication activities discussing the social and ethical implications of their work with confidence.

New briefing paper - Regulating Modern Biotechnology in Europe

This briefing paper reviews some of the main issues in this long and continuing debate – risk assessment and management, the precautionary principle, sectoral or technology-specific regulation, and the related regulatory developments – particularly within the European Union, but also internationally, over the past quarter-century.

news_item.2006-11-05.2308703533

 

International Advanced Course: Strategic Communication & Applied Ethics in Nanobiotechnology   St Edmund Hall, Oxford, 2007-03-11 21:00:00 - 2007-03-16 21:00:00

An intensive training course for nanobiotechnology researchers on public communication and the ethical implications of nanobiotechnology. The course consists of an alternating programme of expert lectures, case studies, media training, role play, group discussions and debate.

International Advanced Course: Strategic Communication & Applied Ethics in Nanobiotechnology

An intensive training course for nanobiotechnology researchers on public communication and the ethical implications of nanobiotechnology. The course consists of an alternating programme of expert lectures, case studies, media training, role play, group discussions and debate.