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). The author draws a number of conclusions from the Biosciences exercise, in particular noting the significant differences to be found between a 'public consultation exercise' and one of 'market research' which both come under the umbrella term of public participation. In addition, there are many different ways in which the public can engage in science and policy-making and the forms that are chosen may reveal whether public dialogue is a serious political goal or a convenient slogan.