The BioVision Method

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 three-dimensional vision.

A unique forum for constructive dialogue

BioVision’s objective is to facilitate the confrontation – at times heated – between these different approaches and to ensure that the expression of differences does not mean sterile confrontation. It is also about agreeing to move ahead together on concrete actions, step by step if necessary and without renouncing each other’s profound convictions, in the interests of the victims of disease, hunger or those who suffer from living in an unhealthy environment.

These actions concern every country, as the problems also exist for some parts of the population in “developed” countries.

 

 

BioVision promotes discussions and debate within the Life Sciences at the interface of Sciences, Society and Industry.

 

What scientists can do

Scientists can and must focus their research on issues that matter most to the greater good. Scientific research for the sake of research is not, in an era as complex as ours, a responsible course of action. Their role further includes accurate forecasting. Our scientists must be continuously looking out for risks and consequences associated with our choices.

What industry can ethically produce

Progress is expected by all. We also recognize that market realities force industry to make choices that ultimately generate a positive bottom line. But in an era of risk and fragility, it is industry’s responsibility, and probably in their best interest, to take us forward within an agenda of safety, sustainable development, universal access and human rights.

What society needs and is willing to accept

Citizens need solutions. This said, they are not unrealistic to the point of demanding perfection. They do, however, demand action beyond words. This is especially true of all that affects their own lives and those of their loved ones. Fortunately, many of them are vocal, either individually or collectively. They question scientific ethics, environmental shortcuts and any and all promises made by the private sector. In short, give them credible options and they will adopt them.