Technological Innovation and Social Change

Scientists Debate Value of Citizens' Advisory Panels August 5, 2003
By Robert S. Boyd
Knight Ridder Newspapers
... the National Science Foundation, an
arm of the federal government, is experimenting with a
system of citizens' advisory panels that it hopes can help
head off future eruptions. The panels consider the ethical,
social and practical implications of new technologies and
recommend policies that might reduce misunderstanding and
obstruction.
...Each panel consists of 15 nonexpert volunteers who spend
three months studying a particular controversy. They read
background materials, question authorities representing
various points of view, debate among themselves and try to
reach a consensus. Finally they write a report offering
their advice on the issue to policy-makers such as state
governors and members of Congress.

The first of these advisory panels recommended, among other
things, that the government tighten regulations for growing
genetically modified foods and require the products to be
labeled clearly, so shoppers could choose to avoid them.
Copyright (c) 2003 KR Washington Bureau and wire service
sources. All Rights Reserved.