Mutual learning on opinion-forming activities aimed at public engagement in synthetic biology

Abstract

Synthetic biology (Synbio) is an upcoming techno-scientific field in which new biological systems can be designed and created by humans. This new field is prone to become a socio-scientific issue about which stakeholders and the public should engage in a dialogue. To have a meaningful dialogue all participants need to have access to factual and personal information (i.e. the values and underlying notions that frame the way a person looks at an issue). Frame reflection can help a person explore their own and others’ underlying values and notions. In a workshop initiated by the EU participants were trained in the techniques of frame reflection. This research evaluates that workshop. Frame reflection seems to be a lengthy process but even in a 2 hour workshop steps can be made by having participants ask each other follow up and digging deeper questions in small group settings. It is important that the participants are thoroughly guided through concrete examples of types of questions they could ask.