Washington, DC -- April 29, 1998 -- Biotech industry leaders, policy-makers, scientists, and consumer group representatives will convene in Washington on May 8th to discuss the implications of genetically modified food products. Participants will address issues of safety, nutrition, and public perception and will provide opinions to a European Union public forum in June which will assess the public attitudes and policies of different nations regarding biotechnology issues. The forum is sponsored by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and the British Embassy.
WHAT: Forum on Genetically Modified Organisms
WHEN: Friday, May 8, 1998, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
WHERE: AAAS Auditorium, 1200 New York Ave., Washington, DC
(Metro: Red/Orange/Blue lines to Metro Center)
Speakers will include:
- Lester Crawford, Director, Georgetown Center for Food & Nutrition Policy
- Rita R. Colwell, President, Biotechnology Institute, University of Maryland
- Liebe F. Cavalieri, Professor of Environmental Science, State University of
New York at Purchase
- Rob Horsch, Director of Science & Technology, Agracetus Campus, Monsanto
- Margaret Mellon, Director of Agriculture & Biotechnology, Union of Concerned Scientists
The morning session will include an overview of the scientific advances in genetic manipulation of food organisms as well as the industrial and consumer perspectives on the use of the technologies. In the afternoon, a panel of scientists and policy-makers will respond to questions on the science, public acceptance, ethical, and regulatory considerations of these new technologies. The forum is free and open to the public. To RSVP, contact Sanyin Siang at 202-326-6792.
Editor's Note: Members of the Media must RSVP to Dave Amber, 202-326-6434, damber@aaas.org