Europeans and biotechnology in 2005 : patterns and trends

Since 1991 the Commission's Eurobarometer surveys on biotechnology have played a vital role, providing a systematic, quantitative, comparable and dispassionate assessment of public perceptions across Europe. Surveys provide an indication of the distribution of opinions and attitudes in the public at large, and evidence of changes in public perceptions over time on a quantitative basis. To ensure the continuing independence and high reputation of this series of surveys the Commission has involved a team of social scientists throughout Europe to design the questionnaire and to analyse the responses, to whom the appropriate thanks are expressed.