Team:TU Delft/Publicity/communication plan/interview

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Interviews

BioSafety: Interview with Lesley Robertson, our Biological Safety Advisor

iGEM TU Delft @ NEMO's Night of the Nerds

Interview with Pierre Wind - Dutch celebrity Chef (in Dutch, subtitles still to follow)

Interview with Karel Luyben, Rector Magnificus @ TU Delft

(in Dutch, subtitles still to follow)

Interview Patricia Osseweijer, Science Communication Professor

(in Dutch, subtitles still to follow)

Interview

Patricia Osseweijer is the Professor Science Communication & Education of the TU Delft. According to Patricia, communicating science literally means the translation of science and technology to society. This does not only means that you need to to explain how science works, but you also need to involve people in the discussion about what should be done with it and why.

“In Delft we have a project running with the European Union, whereby we look at the social and ethical regulatory aspects of synthetic biology. We are trying to figure out the key issues that live in society. But of course we also gives lectures in for example the Kluyver Centre.”

Than a question on synthetic biology: how far may we go with this technology? For example: If possible, is designing people ok? “It is all about setting the right boundaries. What do we find acceptable and what not? Who determines this and how does one determine those boundaries? Changing the color of eyes is a big difference compared to preventing sickness. But if it comes to intelligence, perhaps that’s a different story….”

According to our professor the scientist has an important responsibility in the communication of science & technology. “After all, a lot of research is paid with tax money, so I find it good that you discuss your results with the rest of society”. She also mentions that it is important to find out what these results mean for society. Deciding to what possible applications these technological findings must lead, is thinking material for both scientist and non-scientists. The Rathenau Insitute is the organ of government that prepares and organize debates on this.

Are you allowed these things to do in your garage? Can you run it so that anyone can just imitate? It's called dual-use. There is the concern of course you can use the technology to good use, but you can also abuse it. How do you deal with it. I think it is that you as a scientist think about and that you are on notice of the opinions of people who have thought longer. I think iGEM competitions are fun and stimulating. I can imagine that it is a great experience.