Seeking public participation to develop new technologies

The new work programme for the research programme on Ethical, Legal and Social Aspects of New Technologies (the ELSA programme) will focus on biotechnology, nanotechnology and neurotechnology, placing special emphasis on public participation and the integration of science and technology into society.

 new technologies of biotechnology, nanotechnology and neurotechnology hold vast and to some degree unknown potential for society. At the same time, these technologies raise important questions concerning values and the development of society," says Helge Rynning, coordinator of the ELSA programme.

Established in autumn 2007 to promote intensified research on the significance of ethical and social aspects of these new technologies, the ELSA programme is a continuation of the Ethics, Society and Biotechnology Programme (2002-2007). The scope has been broadened to encompass nanotechnology and neurotechnology as well.

Involving new players

The new work programme emphasises the significance of involving players such as different patient groups and environmental organisations in programme activities and the research process.

"This creates a new way of integrating science and technology into society. Communication goes not only from science to the public, but in the other direction as well," explains Dr Rynning. "Society provides feedback to science," he adds, citing the current climate debate as an example.

Essential element: Reflexivity

One element underlying all ELSA programme research is reflexivity - the will and ability to challenge and change one's own attitudes, conduct and routines.

"Reflexivity is important not only for ELSA researchers," points out Dr Rynning, "but also for researchers in science and technology and for stakeholders in innovation systems."

Richard Jones, professor at the University of Sheffield and member of the ELSA programme board, strongly believes that the type of research being conducted under this programme, together with public participation, can lead to better research in the natural sciences. It will challenge researchers to question their own assumptions and fundamental views, and to clarify their overall objectives.

Collaboration with other Research Council programmes.

The ELSA programme will collaborate closely with the technology-oriented Large-scale Programmes - Functional Genomics in Norway (FUGE) and Nanotechnology and new materials (NANOMAT) - as well as other affiliated research programmes. Research conducted under the ELSA programme is particularly relevant to these new technologies, which are subject to greater fundamental scientific uncertainty compared to the more established technologies.

But research under the ELSA programme is important for developing approaches and methodologies that can be applied to other topics as well, stresses Anne Kjersti Fahlvik, Director of the Division for Strategic Priorities. "This is especially true of research related to climate, energy and the environment," she concludes.