Europe-wide poll shows public support for responsible innovation in life sciences and biotechnology

A new Eurobarometer survey on life sciences and biotechnology shows that Europeans are optimistic about biotechnology. 53% of respondents believe biotechnology will have a positive effect in the future, and only 20% a negative effect.

The survey also reveals important knowledge gaps, pointing to a need for more communication: a majority of respondents had never heard of some of the areas covered by the survey, such as nanotechnology (55% unaware), biobanks (67% unaware) and synthetic biology (83% unaware), while skepticism and concern persist in some areas such as genetically modified foods. The Eurobarometer, carried out in February 2010, is the seventh in a series since 1991 and is based on representative samples from 32 European countries.

European Union Research, Innovation and Science Commissioner Maire Geoghegan-Quinn said: "This survey tells us three things. First, Europeans are mostly rather positive about biotechnology although they remain uneasy about some particular aspects. Second, many people feel that they lack basic information on important aspects of biotechnology, so there is a major communication challenge. I intend to take it up and I urge all stakeholders to do the same. Third, all decisions on biotechnology should be rooted in sound science and take due account of ethical, health and environmental factors: we cannot be led either by emotional reactions or by short-term commercial considerations.”