GM Science Review: Background

Media Briefing Note - GM Science Review - Second Phase

(issued 20 October 2003)

The GM Science Review Panel will be reconvening on Thursday 23rd October for the first of a series of meetings following up on their report in July on the current state of GM science.

The Panel will consider comments received on their first report together with the "GM Nation?" public debate to see if there are further scientific issues to address. They will also look at significant developments in GM science since the Panel's report was published, including the results of the farm scale evaluations. These deliberations will lead to a second supplementary report, expected to be published before the end of the year.

Two new panel members have also been appointed to provide additional expertise for the work that will be undertaken in the second phase.

Dr Michael Antoniou is a Reader in Molecular Genetics at the GKT School of Medicine, King's College London. His research interests include the organisation and regulation of human gene systems leading to clinical applications in gene therapy. Michael was nominated by Friends of the Earth, Genewatch, Greenpeace and the Soil Association.

Dr Bruce Pearce is Deputy Research Director and Head of Operations at Elm Farm Research Centre. He has worked within Horticultural and Agricultural research and now works specifically on organic farming. Current research areas include organic farming and policy and in particular organic farming and GMOs.

More information on the work of the GM Science Review and forthcoming meetings is available at www.gmsciencedebate.org.uk