Biography:

Dr. Manjusha Sunil obtained her PhD in Biotechnology from the University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa in September 2005. She worked as a lecturer and a researcher in the Department of Microbial, Biochemical and Food Biotechnology, specifically in the Lipid Biotechnology Unit at the same institution for three and a half years. During this time, she was involved in the co-supervision of Honours, Masters and PhD students. She has published 7 articles in peer-reviewed journals and has presented her research work at local and international conferences. She then moved into the field of Science Communication and is currently working as a Project Coordinator for the PUB (Public Understanding of Biotechnology) programme at SAASTA (South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement). SAASTA is a business unit of the NRF (National Research Foundation).

Abstract:

Publics Relationship with Biotechnology

The PUB (Public Understanding of Biotechnology) programme has managed to engage the public in particularly controversial topics. PUB was launched in early 2003 by the Department of Science and Technology in South Africa with the aim of ensuring a clear, balanced understanding of the scientific principles, related issues and potential of biotechnology and to stimulate public debate around its applications in society. This programme is implemented by the South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement (SAASTA). Key projects include a public perceptions study on Biotechnology conducted in collaboration with the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), public profiling of cutting edge Biotechnology research and career profiling. Findings of the HSRC study show that amongst different religious groups, there are varying levels of knowledge and attitudes on Biotechnology issues. The PUB programme engages religious and cultural controversial subjects in an innovative and non-confrontational manner and has learnt to consider cultural and religious context.