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Australasian Biotechnology, Vol. 11 No. 5, 2001, pp. 42 BIOTECH COMMUNICATION GENE TECHNOLOGY DEBATE - A SHIFT IN FOCUS? Paula Fitzgerald (Agrifood Awareness Australia) Code Number: au01067 I remember quite clearly a time when biotechnology attracted no interest - when discussions about the potential of gene technology received only enthusiasm and encouragement for our scientists. Over the past five years however, the scene has changed dramatically - with consumer interest in the topic growing. We have witnessed considerable debate, some of which has been quite heated. To date, most of this debate has centred around genetically modified (GM) crops and food, but this may well be about to change. Recent market research is showing a shift - a move towards biotechnology and gene technology in health-related areas. While consumers are on the move, one has to question whether those involved in this area are prepared - who will be there to provide answers and encourage informed debate? On 2 August, Biotechnology Australia released its latest market research survey results, which involved both qualitative and quantitative research. The study, which surveyed 1200 people, follows on from an earlier survey carried out in July 1999, to benchmark Australian attitudes to biotechnology and genetic engineering. Interestingly, the survey highlighted new issues for consumers - with ethics, cloning and health-related applications of biotechnology and gene technology heading the list. This is a significant change from previous surveys in which genetically modified (GM) crops and food were of key interest. Survey results showed that since 1999, the awareness of cloning and biotechnology has increased significantly. The majority of the population (56 per cent) felt that cloning would make things worse for the Australian population in the next 20 years. Those involved in the focus group research noted the impending cloning of humans as a key biotechnology issue. Most respondents believed that human cloning is a reality, with comments such as “They say they’ve never cloned people but how do we know?”. Since 1999, there has been a significant decrease in the number of respondents describing using human genes in animals for growing organs as a useful application for society. This is emerging as a prominent issue amongst the Australian population. Also, only 47 per cent of the Australian population agree that this is a morally acceptable application of gene technology for society. On the other side, using human genes in medicines and vaccines had a significant increased perception of being morally acceptable - from 22 per cent in 1999, to 29 per cent in 2001. Testing embryos for disease had a similar increase from 20 to 25 per cent. Overall, the awareness and attitudes toward the use of gene technology in medicine are mixed. Awareness of cloning is the highest. Only two per cent of the population claim that they have not heard of cloning, and 55 per cent claim they could explain it to others. The survey also showed that the awareness of gene therapy is low. Almost, one third (29 per cent) of the Australian population claimed they had not heard of gene therapy, and only 17 per cent felt that they could explain it to others. However, 66 per cent of respondents felt that gene therapy would improve “our way of life” in the next 20 years. In terms of general awareness, the use of human genes in medicines and vaccines rated quite low. The majority of Australians however, indicated that using human genes in medicines and vaccines (86 per cent) and testing embryos for pre-disposition to disease (82 per cent) are useful applications for society. Overall, the survey showed that the community did not feel well-informed on biotechnology and gene technology issues. The survey results clearly demonstrate a shift in concerns to issues of greater complexity. As the debate moves into new areas, those working in this area will need to be prepared to explain their ‘area of expertise’ in a non-threatening, simple manner - to deliver factual and balanced information to allow consumers to better understand the issues and make informed decisions. A copy of Biotechnology Australia’s market research survey results can be found at: http://www.biotechnology.gov.au/ Whats_New/MB_survey_results.ppt Paula Fitzgerald is the Executive Manager of Agrifood Awareness Australia - an industry initiative established to increase public awareness of, and encourage informed debate about, gene technology. Further information can be found at www.afaa.com.au or by telephoning (02) 6273 9535, Email: PaulaFitzgerald@afaa.com.au Biotechnology Copyright 2001 - AusBiotech |
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