Thanks for posting a resume of this meeting, David, for those of us
who couldn't attend.

I've been following the "debate" in the Guardian and occasionally in
the other broadsheets. I'm gettting the impression that it's
becoming an intellectual version of tabloid sensationalism, with
similar characteristics of paranoia, conspiracy theories and
assumptions based on oversimplification of issues taken out of
context.

However, I think that the reputation of US multinationals in general
is unfortunately such that it's not surprising that people are making
similar assumptions about Monsanto, whether they're fair or not.

The scientific issues are quite complex, in addition to the general
lack of understanding of "risk", and even when papers have published
a fairly balanced set of views, it's necessary to read these
carefully and THINK. It's much easier and much more fun to assume
that they're out to get us again!

There does seem to be a growing view that scientists MUST work within
a moral and political framework which is defined by non-scientists -
the way scientific research is funded is pushing us that way anyway.
I can understand this point of view and work with it (I work in the
NHS afer all), but at the same time I appreciate how essential pure
research is. I don't think we are very good at justifying this and
I've encountered arrogant academics in the past who have done a great
deal more harm than good with their attitude.

The fact is that the public are aware that one way or another they
are paying for research and they think that they should have a say in
what is done and how it's used - there is some ignorance and
hypocrisy in this, but it's basically a fair point of view, I think.

People are questioning lots of things these days which they've
previously been happy to leave to the experts. Look at the bashing
that the medical profession is getting now - paternalistic doctor
always knew best in the past, but not any more! We can try to
explain science better, but perhpas in the future we will have to
accept greater limits imposed by the public on what we do, even if we
consider that their views are often based on ignorance and
misunderstanding.

Dr MJ Pearson
Department of Chemical Pathology & Immunology
Old Medical School
Leeds General Infirmary (Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust)
LEEDS LS1 3EX

Tel 0113 392 3945


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