Euroscience Open Forum 2012

Genetically Modified Trees (GMTs) can provide a high timber yield, and are a potential counter for global warming through carbon sequestration. The public in some countries remain sceptical about the need for genetically modified organisms. What are the researchers in this area doing to foster an informed public debate on these issues?
The COST Action FP0905 is focusing on key aspects of GMTs related to biosafety: gene containment; gene targeting prior to the commercial introduction of GMTs into the environment; monitoring; socio-economic and cost-benefit analyses. Experts from this programme will discuss public concerns about the real and perceived importance and dangers of plantations across Europe from a scientific, societal, and policy perspective.