International conference on the public's perception of risk

Brussels, 23 Oct 2003

The European Commission is organising a major international conference entitled 'risk perception: science, public debate and policy making', to take place on 4 and 5 December in Brussels.

The event will explore how the public's perceptions of risk are formed, and what effect this has in a complex democracy such as the European Union. Questions to be tackled include:
- What roles should scientists and politicians play in communicating risk to the general public?
- Can policy making based on scientific risk assessment be made more open, more understandable and more inclusive?
- How should communication and debate at national, EU and international level interact?
- How should science, industry, government and civil society interact in public debates about risk?

The conference will incorporate a stakeholder forum on risk perception in relation to genetically modified crops and food.

For further information, please consult the following web address:
http:///europa.eu.int/comm/food/risk_perc eption/

CORDIS RTD-NEWS / © European Communities