Brussels, 08/07/2002 (Agence Europe) - The "Science Generation" project was presented last Thursday in Brussels by Commissioner Philippe Busquin. The aim of the project is to enlighten both political and scientific decision-makers and the public on the directions they should take on issues at the interface between bio-science and society. The project, which will receive Community financing of EUR 1.44 million under the 5th framework programme, provides for the creation of scientific, student and journalist networks, relays in regions, seminars and opinion polls, on-line and on-site debates. The project, initiated by the Institut de France and the Aventis Foundation, comes within the approach that the Commission recommends in the context of the European Research Area to bring science and society closer together. "We are not just saying that a broad public debate on life sciences is important. We give practical support to this", said Commissioner Busquin. "Science is moving fast. It gives hope to many, but it is also frightening. This situation commits the responsibility of scientists and public authorities. Science Generation is aimed at involving citizens in the evolution of life sciences so that they may freely express what they expect of these sciences as well as their reservation about some of the solutions. It is more than ever necessary for this dialogue to be organised at European level, gaining wealth from the diversity and exchange between cultures", he added.
"Science Generation" has already had great success in France. Launched in France two years ago as a pilot project, it will thus extend to other countries of the Union, especially to Italy and Sweden, in partnership with the Euro-CASE network (European Council of Applied Sciences and Engineering), which groups 18 academies of applied science and technology. FAST (the Italian federation of scientific and technological associations) will coordinate the establishment of "Science Generation" in three Italian regions, each chosen for its specific characteristics: Lombardy for its industrial economic weight and for the presence of three biotechnological centres; Lazio, for the large number of pharmaceutical industries to be found on its territory; and Sicily as an emerging zone. In parallel, the Swedish Royal Academy of Science and Technology (IVA) is to organise debates on subjects related to biotechnology in three regions - Stockholm, Gothenburg and Skåne - with the participation of young people, parents and teachers.