… Ludwig Maximilians University, (co-ordinator) The Institute for Communication and Media Research at the Ludwig Maximilians University was founded in 1924. With seven professors and over 2000 students, it is one of the largest Institutes of its kind in Germany. It offers all levels of degrees: from Bachelor of Arts to a PhD.
The institute belongs to the Faculty of Social Sciences, and as such, the work being carried out is of a trans-disciplinary nature. The emphasis is on empirical research, such as psycho-physiological analysis of emotional responses, attention spans and response mechanisms to information, as well as practical application of communication techniques. The latter include for example radio and the internet as communication platforms.
… ProBio Partners VOF (PBP) is a technology transfer company with extensive expertise in communication methodologies, organisation of events like IPR workshops, science meetings, e-activities. Relevant for this project is that PBP carries out all tasks as executive secretary for the Plant Industrial Platform (PIP) association that was established in 1992 to facilitate information exchange between industrial and academic researchers.(see www.probio.org)
… Visions Unlimited Medien GmbH is a media office that develops and implements communication activities in audiovisual or multimedia formats. One of the company aims is to promote the communication of complex scientific issues to various target groups in public and educational settings. In the last project, Visions Unlimited Medien GmbH produced a full length documentary film dealing with public concerns in the area of plant biotechnology. The company also disseminated the film and related audiovisual material to broadcasters, governmental ministries, educational organisations and schools and public events around Europe.
… Dialog<>gentechnik is a non-profit academia-linked society (founded 1997), financed solely by public funding. Its activities aim at supporting public understanding of gene technology and fostering the dialogue between science and the public. Members constitute presently nine Austrian scientific societies. The information office in Vienna currently employs five scientists with experience in public relations, public understanding of science, hands-on experience of gene technology and project management. Projects include hands-on activities, discussion events, an exhibition, educational materials and many more (see www.dialog-gentechnik.at)
… The University of Limerick, Ireland, one of Irelands newest Universities is a recognised leader in education and a significant centre for research in a range of fields, which are of strategic importance to the economic, social and cultural development of Ireland and the wider community. The mission of the University of Limerick is to promote and advance learning and knowledge relevant to the needs of Ireland through teaching, research and scholarship in an environment that encourages innovation and upholds the principles of free enquiry and expression(see www.ul.ie)
