Abstract of talk

This conference is timely – its focus on ONE reflects a general and growing agreement in society that inclusivity and diversity are important. The ecosystem metaphor emphasises connectivity and relationships, of working together. Such ambitions will require opening up risk assessment to new actors and connections. Yet, opening up risk assessment may be challenging and perhaps even undesirable or difficult to imagine. For example, policies and structures developed following the food safety crises in the 1980s and 90s are in place to insulate European risk assessment from the influence of non-scientists and non-technical experts. For some risk assessors, the scientific robustness of risk assessment may be under threat if it is ‘opened up’. In this talk, I will share my research on efforts to bring inclusivity and diversity to biotechnology risk assessment, including the development of guidelines defining the scope of future risk assessments, the risk assessments conducted by applicants, and the risk assessments conducted by EFSA. Through the case of gene drive technology, I will highlight the commitment of risk assessors and technology developers to opening up risk assessment and reflect of the many ways in which such engagement is being imagined and practised. I will also suggest new ways of thinking about engaging which help to navigate some of the challenges facing efforts to open up this highly technical space to others.

Abstract of talk

New ways of thinking about engagement in risk assessment can build on EFSA’s existing policies and practices and contribute to the goals of both scientific excellence and legitimacy. I will draw on my social science research on EFSA’s role in risk assessment for GM and gene drive technology, including guideline development, to reflect on the opportunities and challenges of employing different forms of engagement in a changing ecosystem.