The challenges of modern biotechnology - Science serving society
10 October 1997 - 10 October 1997
Luxembourg
A major conference-debate on the topic of biotechnology and what it contributes to our society will be held in Luxembourg, on 10 October 1997. The conference, "The challenges of modern biotechnology - Science serving society", is being organized by the European Commission (DG XII) and the Luxembourg Presidency of the European Council, in collaboration with CRP-Santé.
Biotechnology has become a hot topic in the media. Inaccurate, scaremongering science broadcasts often depict bioengineering as a dangerous life-threatening technology, thus producing very fertile ground for unfounded hysteria. Biotechnology is, however, continuing to develop at a rapid rate. In this context, it is increasingly important for the public and their political representatives to develop a well-informed and up-to-date opinion on these issues. In particular, it is essential that both the risks an the benefits of biotechnology are taken into consideration.
The European Union is currently completing a regulatory framework for biotechnology to ensure safety for human health and the environment. In particular, a European Directive on the patentability of biotechnological inventions is under discussion. Given the ongoing debate on the ethical implications of biotechnology, however, the Commission is keen to encourage widespread debate on the issues relating to this important field of scientific research.
This Conference will bring together leading experts in the fields affected by the rapid development of modern biotechnology, as well as decision-makers at the highest level, and of course the press. Lively discussions are expected.
For further information, please contact:
CRP-Santé
Dr. Paul Heuschling
20 route d'Arlon
L-1150 Luxembourg
Tel. +352-453213; Fax +352-453219
E-mail: paul.heuschling@crp-sante.lu
URL: http://www.crp-sante.lu/biotechnology.html(opens in new window)
or
European Commission
DG XII - Science, research and development
Dr. Maurice Lex
200 rue de la Loi
B-1049 Brussels
Tel. +32-2-2965619
Biotechnology has become a hot topic in the media. Inaccurate, scaremongering science broadcasts often depict bioengineering as a dangerous life-threatening technology, thus producing very fertile ground for unfounded hysteria. Biotechnology is, however, continuing to develop at a rapid rate. In this context, it is increasingly important for the public and their political representatives to develop a well-informed and up-to-date opinion on these issues. In particular, it is essential that both the risks an the benefits of biotechnology are taken into consideration.
The European Union is currently completing a regulatory framework for biotechnology to ensure safety for human health and the environment. In particular, a European Directive on the patentability of biotechnological inventions is under discussion. Given the ongoing debate on the ethical implications of biotechnology, however, the Commission is keen to encourage widespread debate on the issues relating to this important field of scientific research.
This Conference will bring together leading experts in the fields affected by the rapid development of modern biotechnology, as well as decision-makers at the highest level, and of course the press. Lively discussions are expected.
For further information, please contact:
CRP-Santé
Dr. Paul Heuschling
20 route d'Arlon
L-1150 Luxembourg
Tel. +352-453213; Fax +352-453219
E-mail: paul.heuschling@crp-sante.lu
URL: http://www.crp-sante.lu/biotechnology.html(opens in new window)
or
European Commission
DG XII - Science, research and development
Dr. Maurice Lex
200 rue de la Loi
B-1049 Brussels
Tel. +32-2-2965619