Science and society: a new service to involve citizens in European R&D
CORDIS, the European Commission's Research & Development Information Service, is offering a new service to promote interaction between European research and citizens. The site, part of the 'RTD beyond 2002' service, provides a central window on the social dimension of European Research and Development (R&D). In addition, it offers a dialogue facility through an open on-line forum accessible from the homepage. To foster responsible research in the frame of the European Research Area, the site features an on-line communication forum on the work document 'Science, society and the citizen in Europe'. Users are invited to post their comments, suggestions and proposals for concrete actions and help shaping the upcoming RTD Framework programme 2002-2006. The site promotes awareness and understanding of European research by presenting key developments on the social dimension of the European Research Area, relevant texts and opinions on ethics as well as past and present research projects and results with social benefits. The service will be an invaluable tool for citizens and stakeholders to contribute to the shape of the future research and innovation priorities of the Framework Programme 2002-2006.