No.
We simply got fed up with accusations being slung around the media in articles, in opinion pieces and in comments. We wanted to create a space where experts in all relevant areas could answer questions from the public and be able to give their points of views alongside each other.
For most people this is not a black and white issue (GM good or GM bad). We’d like to create a space for a discussion with a bit more nuance. Whatever ends up happening with GM Foods we all of us on the planet will have to deal with the consequences. It may be difficult at times, but we believe it’s worth all trying together to explore the issues and consider other points of view.
So far we’ve seen Q&A sessions that feature scientists who are completely pro-GM and debates where pro-GM views are not welcomed. We wanted something that included more views in the same conversation.
We are trying to make this as transparent, and as fair as possible. We have been asking anyone who’s interested to nominate experts. We’ve appointed an independent advisory panel to help select those experts. We’ve invited people who have voiced their opposition to GM Foods to be on that panel.
This site is run by the team that put together the science engagement event, I’m a Scientist Get me out of Here! A close look at that event will show it’s not PR but about a healthy relationship between science and society. It’s partly about getting school students to understand scientists don’t have all the answers. And partly about scientists listening to other points of view.