A special symposium at the 46th Annual Meeting of the American Institute of Biological Sciences focused on scientific and ethical concerns with agricultural and environmental biotechnology. The primary message coming out of this symposium was that the public is misinformed about biotechnology. There appear to be two divergent truths, one in the laboratory and one in the media. A major challenge we face now and in the 21st century is to bridge the gap between scientists and non-scientists. Ignorance on the part of both groups leads to conflict, which commonly leads to poor decisions.
Poor decisions do nothing to make our world a better place to live.
Within communities scientists should devote more of their time to educating the general public. The communications industry, which is an extremely powerful force in our society, should, among other things, begin to sponsor scientific literacy workshops for employees. On campuses young scientists should broaden their perspectives by becoming more involved in the liberal arts. Non-science majors should approach the sciences wilh more enlhusiasm so they can better understand the disciplines that shape so much of their lives. Another challenge and opportunity we face in the future is the creation of new avenues for success in the sciences.