Frames for public discourse on biotechnology

Abstract

The continuing coverage of the risks and benefits of agricultural biotechnology in the media have vigorously put science and the scientist in the public arena, requiring scientists to engage in public discourse they are frequently not well equipped for. It would be reasonable to expect some convergence in the discourse on biotechnology, but instead we see increasing divergence, particularly in Europe and parts of Asia, where public opinion about biotechnology suspicion of GMOs and institutional regulatory remains strong. Lack of communication and communication skills between the actors in this debate are a hurdle.