Forum'01 Life Sciences and their Impact on Society

Press Release

Scientists urge schools to embrace biotechnology and take a lead in the debate

21st May, Brussels - 'Life Sciences and their impact on Society' was the hot topic of debate at the 4th EU Hitachi Science & Technology Forum, from 19th - 20th May. 75 scientists brainstormed ideas for advancing the public debate on biotechnology and its linkages to agrofood, health care and environment issues.

A dominant theme was the urgent need to inform public opinion about the emerging issues and to get biotechnology into the curriculum of Europe's schools.

"We have tried to promote public information, but it is difficult to get past the gatekeepers," Mr Cantley (title) told participants in his opening speech. "The biology teachers are the interface between biotechnology and the millions of children in secondary education. We need to persuade them that these are extremely important issues."

Participants generally agreed that there is a considerable amount of "misinformation" about biotechnology and that consumers need to participate in broad discussions about its ethical, moral, social and political dimensions. Scientists must develop a better understanding of the public's concerns and build bridges by engaging them in dialogue.

Moves by the European Commission to develop clear definitions for the labelling of bio and genetically modified foods to better inform consumers about the products on the market, were warmly welcomed by delegates.

Protection of personal data was also an issue debated as it rises to the top of the public policy agenda and is sure to become even more critical in the health care field with the rapid advances being made in genetic engineering. Participants agreed that informed consent is the way forward and that anonymity would eliminate any margin for abuse whilst providing scientists with the valuable information they need to fight disease.

The impact of biotechnology on the environment is at once risky and positive and today's rising population growth is sure to create conflicting needs. This is particularly important for emerging economies as populations grapple with the strategic balance between protecting the environment and the need for pure water, power and food.

This was the 4th EU Hitachi Science & Technology Forum. Previous meetings have focused on innovation in SMEs, information technology and electronic commerce. Hitachi believes in building long-term relationships with its alumni and using their expertise to contribute to the policy debate in Europe, said Norikiyo Koide, General Manager of Hitachis corporate office in Brussels. The company has a major presence in Europe, employing over 5,000 people in 19 European countries.

The name "Hitachi" means "sunrise", reflecting the company's founding philosophy of contributing to people and society through technology.

The annual Forum's key objectives are to share knowledge and provide a neutral platform for debate amongst European scientists (alumni) who have participated in Hitachi Research Visit Programs (long-term internships or joint-research partnership in Hitachi laboratories or plants in Japan) together with leading experts from academia and industry, representatives from the European Commission and from Hitachi.

The Forum was moderated by Dr David Bennett, Secretary of the Task Group on Public Perceptions of Biotechnology, European Federation of Biotechnology. An introduction to life sciences was given by Mark Cantley, Advisor on Life Sciences at the Directorate General Research of the European Commission.

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About Hitachi

Hitachi, Ltd., headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is one of the world's leading global electronics companies, with fiscal 2000 (ended March 31, 2001) consolidated sales of 8,417 billion yen ($67.9 billion*) The company manufactures and markets a wide range of products, including computers, semiconductors, consumer products and power and industrial equipment. For more information on Hitachi, Ltd., please visit Hitachi_s Web site at http://global.hitachi.com
* At an exchange rate of 124 yen to the dollar.

Notes to editors

Leading biotech experts shared their views with participants: Dr. Klaus Amman, Director of the Botanical Garden at the University of Bern, Switzerland; Dr. Simon Barber, from the European association of bio-industries Europabio; Dr. Donald Bruce, Director of the Society Religion and Technology Project, Church of Scotland; Dr. Bernard Dixon OBE, journalist and author from UK; Dr. Julian Kinderlerer, Assistant Director, Sheffield Institute of Biotechnological Law & ethics (SIBLE), Sheffield University, UK ; Dr. Brian Warrington from GlaxoSmithKline ; and Dr. Roger Straughan from the University of Reading, UK.