"Some people oppose the idea that modern biotechnology be applied to help the poor farmers and consumers solve their food and agriculture problems. Many low-income Chinese farmers who produce more cotton with less pesticides because they have access to genetically modified Bt seed are lucky that the opposition did not get to the seed before they did."¹

BIC organizes field visits to educate
various stakeholders about biotechnology.

Philippine National Scientist, Gelia Castillo, puts it: "Science loses its credibility to the public when science communication fails."

"Science communication² is not about selling science products but about contributing to the development of a science culture where the public can understand research results, examine the evidence, and make informed decisions."

We often hear much information about technologies or products of science. But often, as in the case of farmers, there is really no understanding or appreciation of the product, particularly if the product has been published as controversial.Take for example the case of biotechnology.

As an emerging field of science, biotechnology is designed to modify biological organisms to meet the needs of man in terms of agriculture, medicine, engineering, and other fields.

However, it has also aroused many scientific and social debates regarding its possible detrimental effects to human health and the environment. Catalyzing these debates are the negative news and feature stories propagated by the media about the field.

Media, as a powerful communication tool, has drastically affected people’s perception about biotechnology. This has been the challenge faced by the SEARCA Biotechnology Information Center (BIC) since it started in year 2000.

BIC aims "to address the needs of the region for a highly credible, sound and factual biotechnology information center in the Southeast Asian region accessible to various stakeholders."

Through various information, education, and communication (IEC) strategies, BIC is educating the public on biotechnology. Its strategies range from putting up exhibits, producing leaflets and posters, to conducting radio interviews. BIC also hosts an e-group to promote sharing of science-based agricultural biotechnology information among members.

Aside from these, BIC capitalizes on media monitoring especially with the media playing a crucial role in disseminating information on biotechnology. It keeps tabs on biotechnology-related articles to find out whether there are more positive articles written about the field. To help promote biotechnology, BIC organizes study visits and writeshops catered for the media.

The BIC³ experience is one case of good science communication.

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Endnotes:

¹ International Food Policy Research Institute Vision for 2020
² Defining Excellence in Science Communication by Dr. Gelia Castillo
³ Biotechnology Information Center