Public Understanding of Biotechnology (PUB)

PUB is a dynamic and innovative public communication programme aiming to:

increase broad public awareness and clear, balanced understanding of the scientific principles and potential of biotechnology;
and
create meaningful opportunities for public dialogue and debate around biotechnology and its applications within our society to enable informed decision making.

Guiding principles

The guiding principles of the PUB programme are:

Neutral, balanced mandate to provide credible, objective, factual information;
Stimulate dialogue, debate and public participation;
Open communication about benefits and risks;
Use innovative, creative approaches;
Communicate in easy, accessible language;
Active involvement of science community;
Capacity building in biotechnology communication;
Global and regional networking;
Biotechnology per se - NOT just GM and cloning;
Publicly funded research - public's right to know;
Current confusion of the general public;
Wide target audience - everybody!

Focus areas

Focus areas include:

Mass media;
Resources for educators and learners;
Basic biotechnology training courses;
Train the trainer courses;
Communication training (scientists and journalists)
Profile at public, scientific and academic events;
Publications, exhibitions and competitions;
Role model campaigns;
Science and art initiatives;
Increased public engagement;
Funding
Research and surveys
Online information bank; Q&A

The SA challenge

The challenges facing the programme in South Africa include:

Diversity of people and culture;
Remote rural areas;
Eleven official languages;
Illiteracy and poverty;
Infrastructure;
No "history of dialogue."