Europeans and Biotechnology in 2010 - Winds of change?

Abstract

This is the seventh in a series of Eurobarometer surveys on life sciences and biotechnology conducted in 1991, 1993, 1996, 1999, 2002, 2005 and 2010. This latest survey, carried out in February 2010, was based on a representative sample of 30,800 respondents from the 27 Member States, plus Croatia, Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Turkey. Issues such as regenerative medicine, production of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs, both transgenic and cisgenic), biobanks, biofuels and other innovations such as nanotechnology and synthetic biology, in addition to broader issues such as the governance of science and the engagement of citizens, were investigated. These surveys provide an indication of the distribution of opinions and attitudes in the public at large and evidence of changes in these perceptions over time. To ensure the continuing independence and high reputation of this series of surveys, the Commission charged a team of social scientists throughout Europe with designing the questionnaire and analysing the responses