Public Engagement in Science

Over the past few decades, numerous initiatives have sought to engage members of the public in decisions concerning life sciences research and biotechnologies as early as possible in their development based on the belief that such participation advances the public interest. The motivations for seeking public input vary considerably, however, with consequences for what public engagement initiatives can achieve and who benefits. This series aims to investigate, through specific case studies, whether, and under what conditions, it is possible to engage the public in scientific issues in meaningful ways in decision-making about the innovation pathways of biosciences.

Image Credit: PLOS