Speakers
Mrs
Daniela Ovadia
(Agenzia Zoe, Milano)Mr
Fabio Turone
(Agency Zoe of Science Journalism)
Description
Scientists and technologists who work in sensitive areas know well that the implications of their research might spark violent controversies – particularly about perceived risks of negative outcomes – that can ultimately damage their work, but often fail to recognize that a sincerely open debate is needed in order to attenuate legitimate fear, and is the best tool to prevent hysteric reactions to uncertainty.
“Sincerely open” debate might mean that the point of view of “outsiders” – even the ones that at first appear to be the weirdest and the most unrealistic – can deserve a respectful scrutiny. The interactive session – led by two experienced science journalists – will show how difficult it is to reach a consensus on what aspects deserve more attention (“More research is needed in order to make sure that…”) and what can and should be disregarded as futile, when seen in the perspective of society at large.
