The UK national consensus conference on plant biotechnology

Joss, S. and Durant, J. (1995) The UK national consensus conference on plant biotechnology. Public Understanding of Science, 4(2), pp. 195-204. (doi: 10.1088/0963-6625/4/2/006)

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Abstract

We consider the consensus conference as a model for the incorporation of lay perspectives within the assessment of new sciences and technologies. A consensus is a forum in which a group of laypeople questions experts about a controversial scientific or technological subject, assesses the experts' responses, reaches a consensus about the subject, and reports its conclusions at a press conference. Following a brief description of the development of consensus conferences in Denmark, we review the organization and the outcome of the first UK National Consensus Conference on Plant Biotechnology (UKNCC). The UKNCC is currently the subject of a detailed evaluation. At this stage, we are principally concerned to provide practical information about the organization of the conference. However, we also offer a preliminary assessment of the potential significance of this novel approach for the public understanding of science.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Joss, Professor Simon
Authors: Joss, S., and Durant, J.
College/School:College of Social Sciences > School of Social and Political Sciences > Urban Studies
Journal Name:Public Understanding of Science
Publisher:SAGE Publications
ISSN:0963-6625
ISSN (Online):1361-6609

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