Impact on society
Highlights
Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology (FECYT) competitive projects awarded
During the period 2022-2023, CRAG was awarded two FECYT projects to the Communication Department, FCT-21-16698 and FCT-22-17785. These grants facilitated some recurrent activities, such as: school experimental workshops or the publication of high-impact scientific news, and two major projects: a series of dialogues with diverse stakeholders to promote the understanding of genetic editing, and the creation of a dedicated website to communicate scientifically accurate information about gene edition to a non-specialist audience. In addition, another FECYT project regarding art and science was awarded to CRAG in collaboration with IRTA and the Higher School of Dramatic Arts (ESAD) in Córdoba: “Outreach through Theatre: Barbara McClintock, Life and Science” (FCT-22-17955). The project will last for 2 years and it is coordinated by Montserrat Martin-Hernandez, IRTA researcher at CRAG. These initiatives, along with our recognition as a Unit of Scientific Culture and Innovation (UCC+i) by the FECYT for the communication of R+D+i results and the general dissemination of scientific and technological knowledge, underscore CRAG’s commitment to societal engagement and the broad dissemination of scientific insights.
Meetings with stakeholders on gene editing
Under the FECYT grant FCT-21-16698, CRAG organized four meetings from November 2022 to June 2023, targeting different audiences to foster interaction and collaboration among the general public, journalists, policymakers, and industry representatives. These meetings aimed to facilitate access to scientific knowledge and promote informed opinions on gene editing technologies. The events highlighted CRAG’s dedication to promoting inclusive and comprehensive dialogue about gene editing technologies, addressing the needs, expectations, and concerns of various societal sectors.
Meeting with Companies: 16 November 2022
CRAG-Companies Conference: Biotechnology at the service of agriculture
Meeting with Journalists: 18 April 2023
And tomorrow, what will we eat? Beyond GMOs
Meeting with General Public: 30 May 2023
The CRAG is open to the public: come to debate genetically modified foods
Meeting with Agriculture professionals: 14 June 2023
PATT technical conference: What do we know about gene editing in agriculture?
Gene editing dissemination website
CRAG created a dedicated website to provide scientifically accurate information about gene editing to a non-specialist audience: “The potential of gene editing in plants” (https://ediciogenica.cragenomica.es/en/home/). This initiative, supported by FECYT (FCT-22-17785), reflects CRAG’s ongoing efforts to engage with society and disseminate scientific knowledge widely. The website, available in three languages (Catalan, Spanish and English), serves as a valuable resource for anyone seeking to understand the complexities and implications of gene edition, from basic concepts, applications, to the latest legislation changes of the new genomic techniques (NGTs).
Press
39
News pieces produced
17
Press releases
17
Press releases
9 + 8
208
65 + 142
Outreach
Building a connected community (number of followers)
X (Twitter)
Linkedln
YouTube (Views)
YouTube (Subscribers)
