47 
scientists Who provide direction and lead such efforts, by commending 
those who are willing to 'speak out oh controversial issues and “con- 
demning” those who do the wrong thing, the Government could en-f 
courage scientists to take tipie away from research as necessary to 
insure public understanding of the uaaplioations of their research. It is 
also necessary that ways be found sO. that scientists themselves become 
more sensitive to the social implications of their research; then, they 
can take steps to force examinations of these issues. This sequence of 
events has happened in the case of the DNA recombinant rpolecule 
research issue. 
Mr. McGowan 
Alan McGowan, Scientists Institute for Public Information, had 
been involved in other debates oh the DNA issue and provided his 
reaction to the issue. He believes that the key to all future issues which 
must be confronted by the scientific and public policy bodies is in- 
formation. The scientific controversy over the past several years has 
resulted in a much better informed public with regard to the DNA 
issue than is usually the case so early during the development of an 
important scientific issue. Since the public is already involved in 
determining research priorities because it is public money funding such 
research, there is eveiy justification for the public to be fully informed 
when issues such as DNA recombinant research arise. The scientific 
method provides for ttye resolution of the conflicts which arise during 
scientific disagreement.' Questions are asked, experimental evidence, 
pertinent to these questions is collected, the evidence is evaluated by 
peer review, and the questions revised to ascertain the direction in 
which new experiments should be conducted. Mr. McGowan believes 
that the scientific method is a good framework foy .public debate. The 
facts need to be clearly discussed, the areas of uncertainty defined, 
information collected if possible to eliminate questions, and there, 
should he a continuous, informed, open debate about the issues as the 
facts change. Acrimonious debate disrupts the course of such discus- 
sions and often leads to a political confrontation which does little to 
resolve the debates. 
Mr. McGowan offered a proposal for the establishment of a national 
commission on biomedical research tp serve as a forum for open public 
discussion and debate in a formalized manner of issues such as DNA 
recombinant research- Such a commission could: (1) have the capa- 
bility to develop an .independent information service; (2) convene 
public hearings ; (3) encourage lay and professional citizens tp question 
and comment; (4) develop educational materials ; and (5) Initiate inter- 
national discussions for areas where national boundaries a? 6 not a 
primary constraint to the conduct of spoh research- Such a commission' 
should be composed of scientists, businessmen, labor representatives, 
and we various public sectors. 
Dr. Trumbull 
Richard Trumbull, Executive Director of the American Institute 
of :Biolojgical Sciences, then summarized some of the ways that the 
AIBS attempts to provide for scientific participation in public policy 
issues. like several of the other speakers, Dr. Trumbull indicated A 
need for continuingeducational programs forbobh scientists and 
citizens. According to Dr. Trumbull, it wifi never im possible do get 
[Appendix B — 96] 
