Constructing the scientific citizen: science and democracy in the biosciences

The relationship between science policy and public opinion has become a lively topic in the UK-especially with regard to the BSE crisis and genetically modified foods. A number of governmental publications have recently advocated greater public dialogue and engagement. In this general context, the paper explores the configuration of scientific citizenship and of the scientific citizen within policy and consultation processes. Building upon a detailed examination of one important social experiment-the Public Consultation on Developments in the Biosciences-the social construction of both science and public consultation is considered. With particular attention to the framing of issues for public debate, the constitution of audience and the construction of citizenship, the paper argues the need to move beyond mere sloganizing over science and democracy. The discussion concludes with a presentation of competing technologies of community and an assessment of their significance for the future practice of scientific citizenship.