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.
The Eurobarometer on Biotechnology (46.1) was conducted during October and November 1996. The survey conducted in each EU (European Union) country used a multi-stage random sampling procedure and provided a statistically representative sample of national residents aged 15 and over. The total sample within the EU was 16,246 respondents (about 1,000 per EU country). The survey questionnaire was designed by the authors as part of a larger study involving the comparative analysis of public perceptions, media coverage and public policy in relation to biotechnology from 1973 to the present.