Public Awareness Research 2005 Overview

Biotechnology Australia ceased operations on 30 June 2008. The information on this website has been archived and is no longer updated.

Biotechnology Australia is an Australian Government agency responsible for managing the National Biotechnology Strategy. The Public Awareness Program is one of the initiatives implemented under this strategy. Its aim is to provide members of the community with the information they need to make more informed choices regarding the adoption of biotechnologies.

Public attitudes are a crucial issue in the development of the Australian biotechnology sector. If Australians are not accepting of the applications of biotechnology, opportunities for individuals, industry and the nation in general may be lost. Public understanding of the science involved is thus considered to be important. However, there is perhaps as great a need for scientists (and policymakers) to understand the public’s needs and concerns. In this way, research and development, public policy and communications strategies could be based more effectively on a sound understanding of what drives public acceptance and what must be addressed in order to meet the needs of the public and to address their concerns. Thus, there is a need to understand the underlying drivers of community attitudes towards biotechnology.

The primary aim of this project was to update and develop understanding of the public’s awareness of, attitudes towards and concerns about different applications of biotechnology, and the ways in which these drive public acceptance. More specifically, the objectives of this research were to measure and understand; public awareness and acceptance of biotechnology, public confidence in its products and its applications, perceptions of usefulness and risks involved, and information and regulatory sources.

Please find full report attached below.

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