Gene therapy and the public: a matter of trust

Abstract

The relationship between genetic engineering and the public has never been a very harmonious one. Many scientists believe that public concerns about gene therapy are simply based on misunderstandings and lack of scientific information. In this ‘deficit theory’ of the public, most difficulties in the interaction between science and the public are derived from the assumption that there is a communication gap between scientists and the public. However, public opinion research shows clearly that the various ‘publics’ have a differentiated, and generally positive perception of medical biotechnology. It is not so much lack of information, as lack of trust which explains the difficult relationship between gene therapy and society. For the future, it will be crucial not only to focus on the idea of ‘educating the public’, but to find new communicative and institutional formats to generate trust.