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Method and Objectives

 

Progress in Life Sciences brings solutions but raises questions

Progress in scientific knowledge and its applications in industrial products create new hope every day in the fight against disease, malnutrition and pollution in the world.
But this progress gives rise to more and more questions, concerns, and even opposition from citizens or opinion leaders.

Such complex and sensitive issues require transparency and consultation between the main parties involved: citizens, scientists, industrialists and public decision makers. These are many different worlds, which do not always trust or listen to each other, thus rendering dialogue difficult. None of the three communities have a monopoly of truth over the others.

The positions of each are undeniably legitimate and respectable, but they only take into account one perspective of a multi-dimensional reality. Through its composition, bringing together Science, Society and Industry, the World Life Sciences Forum provides a multi-dimensional vision.
 

 

 BioVision Objectives

 

 To explain Life Sciences discoveries and discuss their implications and ethical aspects for society with all stakeholders: scientists, industrialists, national and international policymakers and civil society.

However promising it may be, a scientific discovery will have no impact if it is misunderstood by the public or if the latter is unable to accept it. BioVision endeavours to promote a better understanding of the social impact of scientific innovation, including the Human and Social Sciences perspective (sociology, economics, political sciences, etc).

The development of Life Sciences creates new ethical dilemmas. By opening up new ways of transforming and manipulating certain aspects of Life, it confronts our societies with the need to make radical choices between selfish improvement of material living conditions and violation of human values and between short term benefits and long term risks. BioVision aims to highlight and confront these dilemmas in the light of recent scientific progress.

 To engage key international leaders to debate on “global issues” involving science and society.

Many decision makers are invited every two years in Lyon to share insights and confront their views: international CEOs, European Commissioners, directors of UN agencies and NGOs, etc.

 To build tomorrow’s life sciences community with young scientists

At a time when scientific careers seem less attractive, we urgently need to build tomorrow’s Life Sciences community. BioVision is mobilising young academic and business-based researchers from the five continents and attracting the most promising, using its BioVision.Nxt international excellence programme.
The objective is to create a unique platform for dialogue between those who made a breakthrough in Life Sciences and those who will explore the future opportunities. This particularly concerns young scientists from developing or emerging countries, who will play a major role in their home countries.

 To foster discussion between the four communities involved (scientists, industrialists, national and international policymakers and civil society) by offering networking opportunities during the forum and beyond.

Within this process of dialogue, participants from emerging and developing countries must have a more significant role. BioVision is also contributing to overcome obstacles to the circulation of scientific information: divides between disciplines, differences between national scientific communities, delays in informing decision makers, reluctance from the general public, etc.