Biotechnology - The Making of a Global Controversy

Biotechnology is one of the fastest-growing and most controversial areas of scientific innovation and technology. As new developments occur, public debate has become more heated and grave concerns have been expressed about access to genetic information, labelling of genetically modified foods and human and animal cloning. This book presents a unique study of the relationship between new biotechnology and public perception, media coverage and policy formulation. It outlines a new conceptual framework and contains empirical studies on international controversies such as the cloning of Dolly the sheep and GM Soya.

Martin Bauer is a lecturer in social psychology and research methodology at the London School of Economics. He is also Research Fellow at the Science Museum in London. His recent projects include Re-analysis of Eurobarometer 1989, Public Perceptions of the Human Genome Project in Britain, The Construction of Indicators of Public Understanding of Science in Europe and UK Science and Technology Media Monitor, 1945–85.

John Durant is the Assistant Director, Science Communication Division, at the Science Museum London and a Professor of Public Understanding of Science, Imperial College London. He is also Chairman of the EFB task group on public perceptions of biotechnology. Recent projects include a UK national survey of public understanding of science.