Sir

If the Genschutz-Initiative (gene-protection initiative) is accepted by a majority of Swiss voters in June (see Nature 391, 312; 1998), a constitutional change will lead to the strictest regulation of gene technology anywhere in the world. It may appear astonishing that the Swiss — whose wealth depends so heavily on research and development leading to new technologies — would accept such restrictions on the use of what is likely to become the key technology of the future.

Perhaps a more prudent implementation of gene technology, and a better prepared social and ethical discussion of its desirability, could have prevented the successful signature campaign for such a restrictive initiative. (In Switzerland, at least 100,000 voters have to support an initiative to have a referendum on a constitutional change.) But the pace at which applications of gene technology are implemented makes either of these difficult to achieve. Indeed, it is questionable whether existing political instruments are adequate to conduct an effective discussion of such new technologies.

The only reasonable alternative is to intensify the social and political discussion. For this purpose, new institutions are needed, and experts trained to communicate information to lay people about new technologies and their potential implications in a neutral environment, without hierarchical structures and patronizing attitudes.

It also requires flexible political instruments, such as ‘consensus conferences’, in which groups whose members are selected as representative of age, gender, education and occupational skills cross-examine expert witnesses and discuss such topics. Although their conclusions — often surprisingly sophisticated, despite a short preparation time — are not legally binding, they can serve as a useful political barometer to politicians and institutional decision-makers.

‘Consensus conferences’ are not a solution to all political problems. But they could be an important instrument in the future, particularly in Switzerland, where there has so far been reluctance to use such political instruments.