Europeans optimistic about biotechnology

Europeans becoming more optimistic about biotechnology, survey finds The latest Eurobarometer survey reveals that Europeans are becoming more optimistic about biotechnology, with 52 per cent of those polled saying they believed biotechnology would improve their quality of life.

‘Europeans and Biotechnology in 2005: Patterns and Trends’ is the sixth in a series of surveys carried out by the European Commission on Europeans’ attitudes towards biotechnology.

This  survey covers stem cell research, genetically modified food, nanotechnologies and the role of the public and scientists in governance.

The rise in optimism about biotechnology is good news for the sector. In the first survey in 1991, optimism levels were similar to now. However, during the 1990s, support for the sector declined steadily, reaching a low point of 41 per cent in 1999. Since then, it has increased again.

During the same period, the public’s trust in both university and industry scientists has also increased substantially, to 73 per cent and 64 per cent respectively.

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Europeans and Biotechnology in 2005