Citizen engagement in science and technology policy: a commentary on recent UK experience
The relationship between the public, science and policy making has recently reached a low ebb, marked by the blanket reassurances given by the government both about BSE and GM foods in order to avoid an 'irrational public scare'. As a result there has been a move towards public engagement and democratic participation in order to ensure a transparent and accountable relationship. This paper discusses how this might occur and the wider issues raised, using the case study of the UK initiative in science and democracy - the Public Consultation on Developments in the Biosciences (PCDB).