My thanks to all who contributed to this conversation. Really useful. Let me know if any of you would like to come and see what actually happens on the day.
Frank

On Fri, Mar 15, 2013 at 4:40 PM, Michael Kenward <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

By definition scientists should be “sceptical about the claims”.

 

Then they look at the evidence.

 

From what Nigel says I’m a Scientist... looks like a good port of call.

 

MK

 

 

 

 

From: psci-com: on public engagement with science [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Hilary Sutcliffe
Sent: 15 March 2013 12:02


To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [PSCI-COM] Need a GMO event participant

 

Yes, though I don't think, from what he said, Frank had quite that in mind.  'Sceptical about the claims' is fair enough!!

 

Have a look at the new Late Lessons from Early Warnings report maybe 

 

Hungry for innovation: pathways from GM crops to agroecology

 

http://www.eea.europa.eu/publications/late-lessons-2/late-lessons-chapters/late-lessons-ii-chapter-19/view

 

or don't know if anyone mentioned it, Sense about Science's GM Plant Science Expert Panel idea - getting experts so they can be asked questions from the audience?

 

Hilary Sutcliffe

Director

MATTER

21 Frank Dixon Way

London SE21 7ET

Mob: 07799 625064

skype: hilary.sutcliffe




 

On 15 Mar 2013, at 11:49, Michael Kenward <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

 

That would be an excellent outcome Hilary.

 

The problem is that this can easily become one of those “debates” which, like climate change, tries to balance the overwhelming scientific consensus with a lone nutter. You know the sort of thing, it is a favourite media ploy, provide “balance” by talking to a fruitcake.

 

Frank’s request for someone with a “social science background” is promising as this is where the debate seems to lie. The scientific arguments against GM crops are on a par with those “against” man-made climate change. It is hard to find any informed scientific “opposition”. I trawled through my own amassed material – I usually try to catch opposing views – and found a few studies, but, as with the rats fed on maize, the case fell apart on closer examination.

 

One scientist who backed this claim was Michael Antoniou described in The Guardian as “a molecular biologist at King’s College London”.

 

The interesting bit is why opinions vary so much from place to place which is where the social scientists come in. Then again, they don't really need to be “anti” to discuss that aspect, merely informed.

 

Another search of my archive reveals last year’s discussion here and the link to this site:

 

GM Food Zone

 

 

I have no idea if they are pro, anti or merely informed.

 

MK

 

 

 

From: psci-com: on public engagement with science [mailto:PSCI-[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Hilary Sutcliffe
Sent: 14 March 2013 21:54
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [PSCI-COM] Need a GMO event participant

 

Perhaps it can be a little, more thoughtful than the usual pro and anti ding dong - involving the public more interactively in thinking through the issues for themselves somehow and asking questions and getting answers from speakers with a range of perspectives?

 

Best regards

 

Hilary


On 14 Mar 2013, at 07:02 PM, Michael Kenward <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

To match who as the proponent for GMOs?

 

The Foresight Project On Global Food And Farming Futures will have drawn on experts from all sides. (Details on its website within GO Science.)

 

They have also done work on health and farming at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

 

You have probably read the report Making Sense Of GM from Sense About Science. It lists a working group of folks who might have approached the topic from different angles.

 

The biggest crop of antis probably huddle under the umbrella of the ETC Group:

 

 

Maybe there is a UK chapter.

 

MK

 

 

 

 

From: psci-com: on public engagement with science [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Frank Burnet
Sent: 14 March 2013 07:35
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [PSCI-COM] Need a GMO event participant

 

I am planning a GM themed event for the Canterbury Festival. Does anyone know of a persuasive speaker  with a science/social science background who is sceptical about the claims made for GMOs  as the bringers of an updated Green Revolution?  

 

Many thanks 

 

Frank 

 

-- 
Dr Frank Burnet MBE
Emeritus Professor of Science Communication, UWE


T: 00390757826525
M:00447881580523
  
www.frankburnet.com


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--
Dr Frank Burnet MBE
Emeritus Professor of Science Communication, UWE


T: 00390757826525
M:00447881580523
 
www.frankburnet.com


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