Commission appoints expert group to advise on biotechnology

The European Commissioner for Research, Mr Philippe Busquin, has appointed a panel of eminent life scientists to act as advisers to the European Commission. The Commissioner announced his decision to set up the high level group on biosciences at the presentation of the prelimi...

The European Commissioner for Research, Mr Philippe Busquin, has appointed a panel of eminent life scientists to act as advisers to the European Commission. The Commissioner announced his decision to set up the high level group on biosciences at the presentation of the preliminary results of a 1999 Eurobarometer survey on European citizens' attitudes to biotechnology.

'The life sciences represent a revolution in our way of thinking in the European Union. They encompass the scientific, the economic and the ethical. I thought it would be a good idea if we had at EU level a group of first class scientists who might advise the Commission and society at large,' says Mr Busquin.

The members of the group have been chosen for their expertise and willingness to communicate with non-experts.

Exactly how this group will be organised is not yet clear, as it has only convened once and is still in the process of setting the parameters for its work. However, according to the Commission, the experts' chief remit will be to 'examine the wide ranging challenges and issues that developments in the life sciences raise for society'.

'Europe should not stagnate in the field of biotechnology and adopt a general strategy by taking greater account of the scientists' views on the opportunities and the risks associated with biosciences,' said Mr Busquin.'

The group's first step will be to enter into dialogue with all interested parties, including the European Parliament, Council, industry, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), consumers and the media. It will also prepare the ground for a 'biosciences summit' - a forum on life sciences and society - this November.

The Commission believes it is crucial to nurture and maintain a dialogue on biotechnology between science and society. While the life sciences present scientists with once unimaginable opportunities to improve European citizens' quality of life, they touch increasingly on emotive and ethical concerns, raising uncertainty among the public and policy makers - as well as other scientists. The first Eurobarometer survey on biotechnology in 1991 uncovered distinct national patterns of awareness about biotechnology in terms of acceptance, risk and perception

The latest survey reflects sustained and increasing public concern and shows in particular a decline in trust across all professional organisations, especially in the environmental NGOs and in academics.

When asked to agree or disagree with the statement 'I feel adequately informed about biotechnology', for example, only 11% of respondents agreed while 81% disagreed and 9% 'didn't know'. The Eurobarameter researchers were particularly surprised at how limited Europeans' basic understanding of biotechnology is.

'Some 33% of Europeans agreed with the statement 'ordinary tomatoes do not contain genes while genetically modified tomatoes do' while 30% didn't know, so only 35% appear to realise that all tomatoes contain genes.'

The Eurobarometer also reveals that while Europeans are not technophobes, they are 'not enthusiastic about biotechnology' - only nuclear power attracts less confidence. The Swedish, Spanish, Portuguese and Belgians are more optimistic about biotechnology than their neighbours across Europe, with citizens in Greece, the UK and Italy the most sceptical. Furthermore, Europeans' support varies for different applications of biotechnology. While they agree it is morally acceptable to use genetic tests to look for inherited diseases or to clean-up pollution for example, there is less acceptance of cloning human cells or tissue to help patients or to transfer genes from one type of plant to another.

'As perceived usefulness declines people think the risk increases and moral support declines,' said Professor Gaskell of the London School of Economics who presented the results of the Eurobarometer survey. 'Usefulness seems to be a major concern to European citizens and determines the amount of support for different types of research in the biotechnology sector.'

The Commission hopes that the new group on biosciences will help it to address this issue. 'It will offer a science-based perspective on advances in biotechnology and their implications and advise on how scientists might better participate in the necessary dialogue with society.' It may also be invited to prepare opinions on request by the Commissioner and will be free to prepare opinions on other matters of its own choice.

Professor Kahn, the newly appointed chairman of the biosciences high level group, stresses the need for sustained dialogue between scientists and society. 'It is essential that the Commission set up this forum,' he said.

'We are now talking about the finalisation of the human genome project which will help to combat HIV and other viruses. But biotechnologists fear rejection by society. Society is taking a direct interest in science, asking the questions: what is legitimate? what is not? and what are the risks involved?

'Scientists pursue the human aim of the road to knowledge - no one has the right to say they can't. It's a fundamental human right. And they act on behalf of society - often thanks to contributions from society like the EU funds. There may not be a serene future ahead if the dialogue between science and society does not improve. Shared values should not overlook the ways science and society can influence the future.'

Introducing the biosciences high level group to the press and thanking them for accepting their roles, Commissioner Busquin emphasised the challenge ahead.

'These are not issues that we're going to seal and settle today. I want to set up a genuine dialogue on life sciences in Europe. It's a process between science and society. The European Research Area (ERA) is designed to give society its voice and to help it face up to the 21st century. This is a first point of contact.'

The Members of the biosciences high level group (BHLG) are: Sir Tom Blundell (University of Cambridge GB); Professor Patrick Cunnigham, (Trinity College IE); Professor Axel Kahn (Institut Cochin de Génétique Moléculaire FR); Professor Leonardo Santi (Centro di Biotecnologie Avanzate IT); Professor Hans Wigzell (Karolinska Institute SE); Professor Rolf Zinkernagel CH); Professor Derek Burke (Cambridge, UK); Professor Victor de Lorenzo (Centro Nacional de Biotecnologia ES); Professor Anne McLaren (Wellcome CRC Institute GB); Professor Marc Van Montagu (Ghent University BE); and Professor Ernst Ludwig Winnacker (Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft DE).

The Commission was keen to point out that the biotechnology high level group (BHLG) does not replace the European Group on Ethics (EGE) which will continue its work. Professor McLaran is the only member of the BHLG who also advises the EGE. The EGE has previously published opinions on human cloning and medical ethics. It is now discussing ethics in the information society, and is considering, amongst other things, how genetic screening might affect employment practices in Europe.