SCIENCE GENERATION IN SWEDEN The Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences

1. SCIENCE GENERATION IN SWEDENThe Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences

2. Prof. Kristina Glimelius Vice Principal of the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences Dr Gustaf Brunius Head of the Swedish Gene Technology Advisory Board Ass. Prof. Björn Fjæstad Managing Director of the monthly magazine ”Science and Progress” Camilla Modéer Managing Director of “Science and Society” Dr Marie Nyman Scientist at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences SLU Steering committee

3. Opinion barometers • Four recent Swedish opinion barometers together cover many of the issues brought up in the French barometer • We have summarized the results from these barometers and the result will be published on the Swedish homepage soon • After evaluating the result we will decide what questions should be asked and to whom in a possible Swedish Science Generation opinion barometer during the autumn

4. Aim Find out views among scientists, industrialists and others concerning public opinion regarding biotechnology research and applications Identifying important issues to discuss and to raise awareness about Identifying national and regional initiatives to promote interest and increase awareness and knowledge Interviews with experts

5. Results There is a widespread concern that too few young people are interested in studying natural sciences and technology Most interesting ethical and other issues were identified A number of national and regional initiatives were identified Interviews with experts

6. The Swedish biotechnology map No. of employees No. of companies

7. Concerning biotechnology research and applications Genetic testing, gene therapy and bio banks Production of genetically modified crops Transgenic animals, xenotransplantation Human stem cells, embryonic and adult More general issues What initiatives are there, opinions concerning these and how do the participants obtain information? How interest and knowledge should be increased Complex issues of importance -First meetings of the mobilisation channels

8. Discussions revealed that many of the participants had not beforehand decided what they thought regarding the complex issues brought up Concerning health related issues there were few differences between the three categories of participants Some of the young participants were more concerned with environmental and animal rights issues where GMO and Xenotransplantations were concerned than risk issues Results from the first meetings of the mobilisation channels

9. Results from the first meetings of the mobilisation channels • The most important ways to increase knowledge, awareness, and interest was thought to be through the school system and television • There is also a need for meetings between scientists, industrialists, politicians and other experts and the general public • No regional or national initiatives that we did not already know about was identified

10. The Swedish website

11. Debates/meetings in the three, possibly four, regions between politicians/scientists/experts etc. and students/teachers/general public are being organised during the spring Use new ways and new channels to reach people interested in actively participating in developing concrete initiatives in their region Launch the Swedish website Evaluate the opinion barometers Plan for Brussels 2004… Planned activities – 2003