Public engagement on synthetic biology: development of a 'Democs' tool

ESRC Genomics Policy & Research Forum

http://www.genomicsforum.ac.uk/

Democs (deliberative meeting of citizens) is part card game, part policy-making tool that enables small groups of people to engage with complex public policy issues. It helps people find out about a topic, express their views, seek common ground with the other participants, and state their preferred policy position from a given choice of four. They can also add their own policy positions. Further information about Democs is available on the New Economics Foundation website at http://www.neweconomics.org/gen/democs.aspx

The ESRC Genomics Policy & Research Forum has commissioned Edinethics consultancy in conjunction with New Economics Foundation to develop a version of Democs on synthetic biology, to be rolled out across Scotland between August and October 2009. As part of this project interested individuals and organisations have the opportunity to participate in Democs facilitation training in early August 2009, and act as volunteer facilitators during the roll-out.

Facilitation training for the Democs public engagement tool will take place as follows:

Date and time: Thursday 6 August, 10am-Midday
Venue: Genomics Forum boardroom, St John's Land, Holyrood Road
Location and map:
http://www.genomicsnetwork.ac.uk/forum/aboutus/contactus/

The training will be conducted by Donald Bruce from Edinethics consultancy, who is developing a Synthetic Biology version of Democs on behalf of the Forum, to be rolled out in the next few months.

To register, please contact Christine Knight via the contact details opposite. Please feel free to forward this information on to colleagues who may be interested. We have funding available to cover travel costs for those outside Edinburgh who are able to facilitate at least one round of Democs during the roll-out of the new Synthetic Biology version (August-October 2009).