From communication to deliberation: the impacts of new forms of public engagement on biomedical scientists - extension (360G-Wellcome-080201_Z_06_A)

The goal of the proposed research is to provide rigorous policy advice concerning the opportunities and barriers that are encountered by biomedical scientists with respect to the development and establishment of methods of public engagement with biomedical science. To achieve this, the research objective is to collect data on the understandings, experiences and responses to notions of public engagement by interviewing scientists working in the biomedical sciences. The primary project outcome is a comprehensive, empirically-based analysis of understandings of 'the public' and 'public engagement' from within biomedical science. These research goals will be achieved through three research methodologies: 1. A literature review of the relevant academic, policy and practitioner literature; 2. Semi-structured interviews with scientists working in selected areas of the biomedical sciences; and 3. The collation of relevant public statements (in the media and at public events) by biomedical scientists. Project outcomes will be enhanced through dissemination of the research results to end-user and academic groups (primarily via an interim report and end-user workshop, a final report, a prestigious launch seminar, other end-user speaker opportunities, and academic journal articles and conferences).