This is the fifth in a series of Eurobarometer surveys on biotechnology and the life sciences. The surveys have been conducted in 1991, 1993, 1996, 1999 and in 2002. The survey is based on a representative sample of 16 500 respondents, approximately 1 000 in each EU member state (see report for exceptions). Survey design and analysis was conducted by an international research group ‘Life Sciences in European Society’ supported by DG Research. In a year when many European countries are involved in public discussions on aspects of biotechnology, this survey stands as a contribution to the informed debate.