Scientists, Publics and Transgenics: Information, Trust, Communication and Engagement on Research dealing with Vector-borne Diseases

• In Event: South-North-South dialogues on Science and Technology I

Abstract

Infectious diseases transmitted by mosquitoes represent a burden for a variety of countries and especially for the Global South. However research aiming at better understanding them is mainly conducted by institutions from the Global North. Apart from bringing knowledge in biology, this research is obviously associated with the development of methods aiming at reducing the burden of vector-borne diseases and this includes the creation, the use and the release of transgenic mosquitoes. For many in the scientific world, this technological approach offers a promising method against diseases such as malaria or dengue. However the recent field releases of transgenic mosquitoes in The Cayman Islands, in Malaysia and in Brazil have been the source of intense debate in the specialized press as well as in the non-specialized mass media. This lack of transparency, not to say the secrecy, in the way the first trial was conducted is without much doubt the major reason for the controversy that emerged. Brushing aside years of discussion in the scientific world and a shared recognition of the importance to consider ethical, legal and social issues this first trial could be read as a fait-accompli: the cage of transgenic mosquitoes has now been opened. In the complex interactions between science and society around GM technology we cannot avoid questions around the perception of the public by scientists and the related question: How to consult, involve and engage a variety of publics in an effective manner on science and technology? With the will to better estimate the impact of geographic differences (endemic vs non endemic countries), of research topics (work on transgenic approach or not) and of perception of research (applied/ fundamental) we have conducted in 2012/ 2013 a worldwide web-based survey on more than 1800 scientists working on vector-borne diseases. This work reveals several interesting points including the reluctance in involving the public upstream, some lack of confidence in private business as well some level of distrust towards biotechnological progress and the speed at which changes occur because of science and technology. Surprisingly it also highlights a real lack of communication even inside the scientific community. Apart from exploring the major results of the whole survey the presentation will also highlight the ones dealing with scientists based in Latin America.

Authors

• Christophe Boete, IRD - UMR 190

• Uli Beisel, University Halle-Wittenberg

• Luisa Reis Castro, Spiral, Université de Liège / Maastricht University

• Nicolas Césard, N/A

• R.G. Reeves, MPG