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„To meet the challenges of the future together, we need an open dialogue and a spirit of mutual cooperation. As the world’s leading chemical company, we develop solutions that benefit people worldwide and open up perspectives for the future.“
Dr. Jürgen Hambrecht, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of BASF SE |
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The public discussion of biotechnology and genetic engineering indicates that many people still require a great deal of information. We want to counteract the mood of skepticism through transparency and by providing information on our activities. Our goal is to contribute to the debate and communicate openly about our work in this field.
- For us, biotechnology is not an end in itself but a tool. Using biotechnology, we want to manufacture products that benefit our customers in a resource-effective manner. These are innovative products that would be impossible or very difficult to produce by traditional means.
- In order to find out more about what people think and about their needs, we seek a dialogue with all sectors of society, including people who are critical of biotechnology.
- As well as publishing printed information, we use a variety of media to ensure as much transparency as possible. For example, we operate a regional Internet portal (www.rheinneckarweb.de) for local residents, organize lectures and invite people to visit our biotechnology research facilities on open-house days. We take the questions and comments that we receive – for example, Internet feedback - seriously and try to give rapid and detailed responses.
- We want to answer questions and provide clarity about the opportunities and risks of this technology. At the same time, the dialogue process gives us a useful indication of the direction in which we should be moving.
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One example of our commitment to dialogue with society is the Xplore! chemistry laboratory that we have established for school pupils at our site in Ludwigshafen. We give sixth grade science pupils a chance to take a closer look at biotechnology there. Following an introduction to the topic biotechnology and genetic engineering, they can then perform their own experiments, such as isolating DNA from fruit. Afterwards, a biochemist from BASF is on hand to answer questions. More than 800 pupils have visited the lab since the project was launched in 2001. Its success: in questionnaires over two-thirds of them stated that it had awakened their interest in biotechnology. The public response to BASF's commitment has also been very positive: In September 2002, Xplore! was awarded the "Golden Bridge" – Germany’s top PR prize.
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The positive reaction to our offer of dialogue shows us that we are on the right course. But we are constantly working to make our company and our work even more transparent.
- Biotechnology can only be used responsibly in a society that is critical and well-informed.
- An objective dialogue is possible if all sections of society have full access to the information available.
- We are in favor of labeling genetically modified food because we believe that everyone should have the right to decide for themselves whether or not they want to eat such products.
- The exchange of opinions between science, business and consumers helps us to further develop sustainable, future-oriented ideas and make our contribution to solving current problems.
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For further information on innovative subjects please see:
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