Science and technology awareness in Europe

A conference entitled "Science and technology awareness in Europe: New insights" is being held in Rome, Italy, on 20 and 21 November 1997. The meeting is hosted by the Italian National Research Council, with support from the Ministry for Universities and Scientific and Technological Research.

Given the increasing place of science and technology in European society, there is a need to ensure that the public have a better knowledge of the potential risks and benefits. The conference will focus on ideas and practices which can improve efforts to promote a real awareness of science and technology and their part in the on-going changes affecting European citizens, institutions and markets.

Major topics to be addressed include:

- S&T awareness and European economic performance;
- S&T awareness and the perception of risks;
- S&T in the culture of European scientists;
- S&T understanding and perception among European policy-makers;
- S&T awareness: an agenda for research and action in Europe.

The conference will take place within the framework of the European Science and Technology Forum, and the European Week for Scientific and Technological Culture, both organized by the Commission. It aims to bring together leading figures from a wide range of scientific disciplines, the social sciences, the humanities and the media, and policy and opinion-makers. Speakers will include Prof. Antonio Ruberti, former European Commissioner for research, now President of the European Science and Technology Forum, and Mr. Claude Desama, MEP, a former Chairman of the European Parliament's Research Committee.
For further information, please contact:

Hypothesis
Via Andegari 18
I-20121 Milano
Tel. +39-2-72002297; Fax +39-2-72001900
E-mail: hypothesis.milan@inferentia.it