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202083G3773 »SCIENTISTS FOR SOUND PUBLIC POLICY<< Assessment Project and Symposium Burson=Marsteller ~

4'3283f 37`?'4 SITUATION Europe's industry and citizens often find themselves subject to regulations based on emotions rather than scientific facts. Decisions are often based on weak scientific data - or data which are being distorted or misinterpreted. Burson-Marsteller

2OZ8363i'75 EXAMPLES Ban on growth hormones for livestock Ban on BST to improve milk production Pesticide restrictions Ban on indoor smoking Restrictions on use of chlorine Ban on certain pharmaceutical products Restrictions on the use of biotechnology Burson•Marsteller

I I 2028363776 ' EXPLANATIONS i • The political decision-makers are vulnerable to activists' emotional appeals and press campaigns • The opinion climate tends to favour overly simplified solutions The precautionary principle is now the accepted guideline. Even if a hypothesis is not 100 per cent scientif cally proven, action should be taken, e.g. global warming Europe's industry is often on the defensive. Action is typically taken when it is too late. And industrial resistence is perceived as protection of commercial self-interests BHrson-Marsteller

I i 1 ~ ~  - ~~.. -- ~rr/.rD ~ ~ i ~ , ~ i LOZ836,3777 A countervailing voice must be created in Europe based on the following principles: Public policy must be based on existing and sound science - not on myths and unproven hypotheses When political decisions are made on the basis of unproven hypotheses - with ethical or societal implications - this must be communicated openly to the public with no concealment of the costs Science must be managed according to clear, scientifically based criteria, e.g. good epidemiology Scientific and technological progress is not the problem, but the solution to many of the world's ills Burson•Marsteller

~4J28363778 THE IDEA It is - pro-- osed to create a Euro ean p p group network of scientists to speak out generally on the issue of policy based on sound science to intervene on specific issues Burson•Marsteller

2402-~,.3ti37''l 99 THE NETWORK ~ Members will be scientists, who are leading international opinion formers ~ Supported financially by the industry - but freedom to act relatively independently from sponsors * Activities will focus on - communicating scientific facts - rather than generate more research - educating opinion leaders, politicians and the media - intervening in and lobbying on specific issues I3urs©n-Marsteller

2028383180 ~ ''~ ; WILL IT ~ .~~ ~~. I N- ~. ! ~ ! Burson-Marsteller's experience in working with scientists: F Within the food industry and pharmaceutical industry it has proven to be successful to involve leading scientists as allies in order, to ensure balance in the public debate in relation to a controversial issue to calm down the marketplace after attacks on a product from consumer groups, activist groups, and journalists to defend a product from restrictions or a total ban ~ i Burson-Marsteller ---------------

PREPARATION * An Assessment Project ~ ~ A European Symposium - in September 1994 ~ , 2028363'781 Burson•Marsteller

THE ASSESSMENT PROJECT 2U28323782 A. Identification of how new body will f t into existing organizations (e.g. Heidelberg Appeal, -T--ASSC) B. Identification of - leading scientists - core group - relevant markets - issues and areas of possible intervention - industry sponsors C. Evaluation of policy-makers receptivity to messages and vehicles D. Proposal for optimum structure E. Activity plan for the first 18 months