Debugging biotechnology: First STOA Annual Lecture

Brussels, 28 Oct 2002

STOA (Science and Technology Options Assessment), announces its first annual lecture, 'Risks and opportunities in the biotechnology era', will take place on 5 November 2002.

Today, many of the issues coming before the European Parliament have a scientific or technological component. They may be proposals directly relating to research or innovation policy, or measures concerning the many ways in which science and technology impact on society, the economy or the environment.

As a unit within the Parliament's Secretariate, one of STOA's aims is to promote EU-level dialogue between scientists and policy-makers. To this end, STOA's first annual lecture covers a subject of great importance to science and society. The lecture coincides with the European Science and Technology Week and will be held at the European Parliament in Brussels, starting at 4 pm on 5 November 2002.

Top of the biotech bill

The keynote speaker is Professor Kary Mullis, a renowned biochemist and 1993 Nobel Prize laureate for his work on polymerase chain reactions (PCR) which revolutionised genetic research. The lecture will be opened by Pat Cox, president of the European Parliament, with contributions by Professor Antonios Trakatellis, MEP and chairman of STOA, Research Commissioner Philippe Busquin and closing remarks by Eryl McNally, MEP and STOA vice-chair.

A question and answer session will be moderated by Jeremy Webb, editor of New Scientist. The lecture is open to members of the European Parliament and staff, Commission officials and other institutions, press and representatives of EASAC and other relevant organisations. Registration and a valid access badge to the Parliament are required.

Contact: mmartinsson@europarl.eu.int

Further information: http://www.europarl.eu.int/stoa/default_ en.htm

DG Research
http://europa.eu.int/comm/dgs/research/i ndex_en.html