Biotechnologies and Communication: Participation for Democratic Processes

Abstract

Th e emergence of biotechnologies in the broader context of the so-called risk society requires consideration, comprehension and management of a series of social questions. Th is is necessary in order to justify decisions on potentially risky phenomena, and not only with accurate measurements or probabilistic calculations of the possible eff ects. Equally important are detailed examinations of the political and communicative processes able to represent and refl ect upon the various sensitivities and attitudes of the actors involved.

Advocacy Science: Explaining the Term with Case Studies from Biotechnology

“…‘GM Nation?’ in the UK). These and the intensified communication between policy-makers, scientists and general public, including civil society organizations, is considered to be a democratic process (Pellegrini 2010 ).…”