C SG Centre for Societ y and the Life Sciences

scienceforlife

the value

of societal

rese arch

scienceforlife

the value of societal research

CSG Centre for Society and the Life Sciences

November 2011

3introduction

Involving individuals and organisations in societal research creates added value

Societal research can help individual citizens,

professional communities and organisations to

assess the societal implications of the life sciences

and their applications, as well as to anticipate future

developments. Enabling those groups to deal with changes, opportunities and

dilemmas that are associated with the development of new knowledge and

applications in the life sciences field is an important driver for CSG’s valorisation

strategy. That perspective results in a large variety of potential user groups,

including citizens, patients, farmers, high school pupils, lawyers, midwives and

policymakers. Involving a broad range of societal stakeholders in life sciences

research is therefore a cornerstone of the CSG strategy. The same principle applies,

on the other hand, to the active involvement of (life) scientists, professionals and

industry in societal research and communication. Because it is as important that

they are able to timely identify and address opportunities and concerns in society.

At CSG, societal research interaction is at the heart of valorisation.

CSG is proud to present a number of examples that show how interactive

research contributes to valorisation of research outcomes. From the adaptation

of guidelines in medical practice using social science results, to better ways to

teaching students about the complexity of biology – valorisation of societal

research is as diverse as its potential users. We hope to inspire you to take the

interactive road, wherever it may lead.

Enabling and empowering

the CSG approach to valorisation

5csg research

CSG research results incorporated in national guidelines on cardiovascular risk management

Changing the way general practitioners deal with the issue

of family history relating to heart disease may seem a far-

stretched result for a research project on the development of

training tools. But that is exactly what CSG researcher Isa

Houwink achieved with her project ‘Developing training in genetics/genomics for primary

health care workers’.

In March 2010, CSG organised a competition asking researchers to submit plans

for the implementation of research results in practice. Houwink proposed to

devise a guideline for general practitioners concerning the hereditary aspects

of cardiovascular disease. During interviews with this professional group, she

identified the need for hands-on tools to get the right information from patients.

Specifically concerning the occurrence of premature heart failure in families, it is

essential that GPs approach patients in the right

manner. Moreover, they should also be aware

of the current possibilities for genetic testing of

family members and the potential impact such

test results may have.

The guidelines were drafted in a very short

timeframe and offered to the Dutch College

of General Practitioners (NHG), which at the

time was preparing a revision of their national

guidelines on Cardiovascular Risk Management.

The CSG-based guidelines now form part of

these national guidelines, which are planned for

publication at the end of 2011.

Better questions to manage risk

for heart disease

The CSG-based

guidelines now form

part of these national

guidelines, which

are planned for

publication at the

end of 2011

7monitoring report

Monitoring report on $1000 genome fuels development of Dutch and European guidelines

An ethical reflection on whole genome sequencing in health

care by CSG principal investigator Guido de Wert was

welcomed by the Netherlands Health Council and the Minister

of Health, Welfare and Sport. This reflection has been selected

as a starting document for Dutch and European professional working groups that are

developing guidelines in the field of human genetics.

CSG principal investigators Guido de Wert and Martina Cornel lead CSG projects

concerned with possible applications of whole genome sequencing in health care.

Due to rapidly developing techniques for genome sequencing, it has become

possible to sequence complete genomes at relatively low costs – the $1000

genome has become proverbial. Although there is still a lot to be discovered

about the interaction between genes and disease, many scientists, clinicians

and policymakers expect that whole genome sequencing-based diagnosis and

screening will have a huge impact on health care.

In 2009, De Wert and his colleague Wybo

Dondorp were invited by the Dutch Health

Council to perform an ethical analysis of the

application of whole genome sequencing in

health care. The resulting report, called ‘The

thousand dollar genome. An ethical exploration’,

was published in October 2010 and subsequently

presented to the Minister of Health, Welfare and

Sport. In a written reaction, the Minister stated

that: “this monitoring report will be considered in

future policy development”.

The report received substantial media attention,

including a 2-page article in the science section

of NRC Handelsblad, a leading Dutch newspaper.

Following the publication of the report, the Netherlands Consortium for

Personalised Genome Diagnostics formed a working group to prepare national

guidelines for clinical geneticists. Both De Wert and Dondorp will participate in this

working group.

When sequencing

is cheap

“ this monitoring

report will be

considered in

future policy

development”

8 monitoring report

The impact of the report has travelled beyond

national borders. The Professional and Public

Policy Committee (PPPC) of the European Society

of Human Genetics will use the report as input for

their guideline development. The PPPC, chaired by

CSG PI Martina Cornel, will also present the report

to the European Journal of Human Genetics for

integral publication.

Again on a national level, the Netherlands Institute for Public Health and the

Environment (RIVM) has invited De Wert to contribute an ethical perspective on

whole genome sequencing-based screening in the context of a RIVM conference

on neonatal screening planned for April 2012.

The impact of the

report has travelled

beyond national

borders

Anticipating the arrival of the $1000 genome

and its implications for health care, De Wert

and Cornel convinced the European Society of

Human Genetics (ESHG) to organise a satellite meeting during their annual

conference to inform professionals in clinical genetics on the potential of

the $1000 genome and its possible implications for their daily practice. This

led to two well-attended and highly appreciated satellite symposia in 2010

(Gothenburg) and 2011 (Amsterdam).

Informing the professional community of human geneticists

9a different approach

CSG takes a different approach

At the request of the Dutch Committee on Genetic

Modification (COGEM), CSG has prepared an inventory

of the potential contributions – positive or negative – of

biotechnology developments to important societal issues.

The resulting report, called ‘The societal relevance of

trends in biotechnology’, accompanied the COGEM’s

‘Trend analysis Biotechnology 2020’. The reports were

jointly presented to the Dutch Cabinet, which stated that:

“the reported observations will be taken into account in

future policy development”.

Studies that aim to predict the broader societal impact of technological

developments generally take the expected effects or outcomes of the technology

as the starting point. Here, authors and CSG researchers Yrrah Stol and Annemiek

Nelis have opted for a different approach. They focused on the potential

contributions rather than the effects of new technologies. This change to the

starting point of the analysis resulted in a new way to map trends in technology to

societal themes; a way that also allows comparing and prioritizing technological

trends based on the expected contribution. This in turn offers valuable input for

policy development.

The analysis by Stol and Nelis led to a number of interesting observations.

According to the societal experts, stakeholders and citizens that participated in

the study, genetically modified organisms in agriculture present the most socially

relevant trend in biotechnology. The respondents identified several areas of

promise and opportunities for agricultural GMOs, especially for world food supply

and biofuels. Biotechnological trends in medicine (like genetic screening, biobanks

and personalized medicine) were framed in terms of medical-ethical concerns

rather than opportunities.

The authors state that discussions on the societal relevance of biotechnological

trends exemplify a broader clash of the challenges of the risk-oriented society on

the one hand, and the knowledge-oriented society on the other. Their analysis

zooms in on this confrontation and offers a detailed description of the arguments

and considerations used in the interpretation of societal opportunities and risks

of developments in biotechnology. The report helps politicians and policymakers

to deal with difficult, but unavoidable choices that come with technological

developments in a multiform society.

Mapping biotechnology

trends to societal

issues

Patients’ and patient

organisations’ input

on ethical and

organisational aspects

can be very valuable

11

Symposium connects patients and patient organisations to researchers and policymakers

CSG participated in the organisation of a

symposium by the Dutch Association of Patient

Organisations (VSOP) for their members.

Biobanks and patient registries are

increasingly important in medical research aiming to identify the genetic and

environmental causes of disease and to develop new therapies. With this

symposium in June 2011, the Dutch Association of Patient Organisations (VSOP)

intended to promote collaboration and information exchange between all

relevant parties. Particular emphasis was put on the role that patient organisation

can play towards improving the effectiveness and success of biobanks and patient

registries. Especially where rare diseases are concerned, it is often a patient

organisation that takes the lead in setting up a biobank or a patient registry

together with physicians and researchers. Patients’ and patient organisations’

input on ethical and organisational aspects can be very valuable, as is their

involvement in raising awareness among their members, providing samples and

information as well as securing funding.

Several CSG projects address the governance of biobanks and their ethical

and legal aspects. That is why the VSOP contacted CSG right from the start to

collaborate on the symposium programme. CSG’s Maud Radstake together with

Tessa van der Valk of the VSOP selected the topics and speakers, including CSG

researchers Sara van Teeffelen and Eric Vermeulen (VUMC). The involvement of

CSG is a perfect example of how valorisation is achieved: working together with

other parties, building on knowledge from current projects and using results to

stimulate both practical action and fuel further research.

“ The fact that we collaborate with CSG enhances our visibility with other parties and can

hopefully inspire those parties to incorporate the interest of patients in their research and use

the knowledge available within our community. It also provides insight into the workings of

academic research. Sometimes I get the feeling that societal research is too theoretical and too

far removed from the reality as experienced by patients. Researchers come up with perceived

obstacles that according to patients do not exist. On the other hand, patients sometimes

have an unrealistic view of the possibilities and are unaware of ethical and legal aspects.

That is why I think collaboration is important, we can learn from each other and advance our

mutual interests.” – Cor Oosterwijk, director VSOP Dutch Association of Patients Organisations

Biobanks and

Patient Registries

biobanks and patient registries

12 csg publications

A platform for presenting ideas, a means to stimulate discussion,

a source of information – books can be all that, and more.

CSG has over the past years taken the initiative to publish a

number of compact volumes to explain complicated concepts to

various audiences or to present explorations of new themes and

questions for research. Here, we highlight two CSG publications.

Exploring the future humanIn 2009, members of ‘De Jonge Akademie’ (‘The Young

Academy’, associated with the Royal Netherlands

Academy of Arts and Sciences) and CSG researchers

explored the future human in all its aspects in a collection

of essays titled ‘De Maakbare Mens - tussen fictie en

fascinatie’ (The makeable human - between fiction

and fascination). Bringing together the views from

social sciences, natural sciences and humanities, De

Maakbare Mens tackles the issue of ‘manipulability’ on different levels. Above all,

the book demonstrates the fascination of a group of young, but already renowned

academics with this enticing topic.

csgpublications

Moulding, adjusting, improving

De Maakbare Mens

tackles the issue of

‘manipulability’

on different levels

13csg publications

Explaining genetic aspects of mental illness to patients and their familiesAs part of the CSG research project ‘Mental illness,

genomics and society’, CSG researcher Ingrid Baart talked

extensively with researchers involved in the GROUP

and NESDA projects (large-scale research efforts into

psychosis and anxiety disorders, respectively), as well

as with patients and their close relatives. The input and

feedback Baart received inspired her to write, together with journalist Veronique

Huijbregts, a paper called ‘Going crazy... The complex connection between

psyche and genes’. The publication is aimed at patients and their families and is

highly welcomed by patient associations Anoiksis and Ypsilon. It explains current

knowledge about the relationship between genes and psychiatric diseases and

shows how such knowledge may affect patients.

“ My impression is that this publication addresses a need. I took a couple of copies to the

activity centre for people affected by psychiatric diseases where I work, and they were

picked up in no time. I can recommend reading it. It gives a clear overview of current

research into genetic aspects of psychosis and schizophrenia and of the changing attitudes

among researchers. The biological information is well explained and I can see myself using

it as a reference in the future.” – Hannie Boumans, mother of a patient and member of Ypsilon

(association of family members of patients with schizophrenia or psychosis)

Goingcrazy

...

15dna-labs on the road

DNA-labs on the Road introduce genomics in the classroom

Genomics unfit for high school students? The DNA-labs

on the Road prove otherwise. In six years, a staggering

100,000 Dutch high school students have participated in

one of these highly successful hands-on workshops. CSG

acts as central coordinator of the Labs and runs a number of

targeted research projects into the didactic aspects of this

educational method.

DNA. Genes. Biotechnology. In a very short timeframe, these terms have become

part of everyday life. TV shows track down unknown family members through

DNA testing. The debate on GMOs, genetically modified organisms, is still ongoing.

Companies sell all kinds of genetic tests that allow customers to determine disease

risks at home. And of course, there is Crime Scene Investigation, which has made

forensic science incredibly popular among the viewing public.

To prepare children and youngsters for life in the ‘DNA society’, it is increasingly

important to offer education on genes, proteins, cells and biotechnological. Proper

education enables them to deal with questions and choices associated with ‘DNA’

later on in life. As consumers, citizens, professionals, parents... or perhaps patients.

The set-up of the DNA-labs is simple. A school selects one of six DNA-labs and

makes a reservation. The teacher receives a preparatory module for use in his/her

class. Two trained university students visit the school bringing all the necessary

equipment and materials with them. The students run the 2-hour practical in

the classroom, where the students work hands-on with the latest genomics

techniques, isolating DNA or performing bioinformatics analyses, for example. In

a closing lesson, the class discusses possible societal implications of the specific

genomics topic. Building on extensive lab experience and incorporating the latest

scientific developments, the DNA-labs are continuously adapted to keep them up

to date.

What’s more, the DNA-labs are also highly popular among teachers. The figures

speak for themselves: December 2011 will see the 100,000th student participating

in a DNA-lab.

Student participation

about to top

100,000!

16 hoofdstukaanduiding – paragraaf

17dna-labs on the road

100,000 secondary school students have worked with state-of-the-art genomics technologies over the past six years. As soon as registration is opened for the coming term, the labs are booked at high speed. And most importantly: students and teachers are highly enthusiastic about these workshops!

The practical arrangements of each DNA-lab are made by the respective Genomics

Centre running the Lab. CSG acts as central coordinating and funding party of

the DNA-labs and is responsible for all communication and PR activities. Ongoing

interaction with the genomics scientists ensures that the labs are kept up to

date both scientifically and technologically. CSG’s involvement goes beyond

organisation and communication. The DNA-labs are also studied by CSG education

researchers. And CSG stimulates the development of materials and topics that

outline the societal context of the research experienced in the DNA-labs. This

context is presented in the closing lessons. Students are stimulated to take a

broader view of the applications of the technology and are confronted with

questions they could encounter later on in life. Would they consider being tested

for the presence of a disease gene? Who should be allowed access to their genetic

information? What to do with the storage of

forensic data?

New activities initiated to contribute to the

overall quality and impact of the

DNA-labs, such as teacher training, have been

enthusiastically received.

Students are

confronted with

questions they could

encounter later on in life

18 dna-labs on the road

CSG also supports DNA-labs through academic research

The DNA-labs are the subject of several CSG educational

research projects that focus on how to create

understanding of the complexity of the genome and

genomics technologies. The results of these projects are

applied to improve the DNA-labs.

Molecular mechanistic reasoningExperiences with the DNA-labs and the module ‘Molecules in life’, developed

by the Cancer Genomics Centre has demonstrated a missing link in student

reasoning. Students in upper secondary education have reasonable knowledge

on DNA and cells, but lack an image of how molecular interactions produce

cellular phenomena. CSG researcher Marc van Mil studies how experts in

molecular biology explain cellular phenomena and what strategies they use

to generate new knowledge. These research strategies are translated in an

educational strategy, ‘molecular mechanistic reasoning’. In this strategy, the

visualization of molecular interactions plays an important role.

Preparing for decision making on genetic testingNew technologies in genomics generate new testing practices and at the same

time new personal and societal choices. Genetic testing seems at first sight

to have only positive impacts; the prevention of disease and death by early

diagnosis of risk factors. However, many other consequences of genetic testing

complicate decisions whether to test or not, such as being excluded from a

career or an insurance. Educational designs have been tested in which students

are confronted with conflicting perspectives. For CSG researcher Dirk Jan

Boerwinkel the focus of the research is now on the kind of genetic knowledge

that is needed for genomics education that prepares also for future applications

of genetic testing. His findings are processed in new didactic strategies and

educational materials that allow for the incorporation of new scientific insights.

Studying how

students learn

19dna-labs on the road

The DNA-labs are reaching out to a broader

audience. Several Labs have become part of

the regular exhibition of science museums. And

the Forensic Genomics DNA-lab is also part of

refreshment courses for technical detectives and

other professionals in law enforcement.

The best possible feedback is probably that some

of the DNA-labs or elements thereof now form

part of the regular curriculum at junior colleges in Utrecht and Rotterdam,

for example. The bioinformatics and cancer genomics DNA-labs have been

incorporated in the so-called Advanced Science, Mathematics and Technology

classes (‘NLT’), a facultative course in high schools.

“ The DNA-labs are very useful. They provide insight into

abstract matter and because of their hands-on nature the

students become really involved. And we simply don’t have all

this advanced equipment available at school.”

– Frans Olofsen, biology teacher, Amsterdam

“ These workshops require much more precision than the experiments we usually do in

class. It is therefore also a reality check for our students. They can find out whether a

career in a lab suits them.”

– Vivienne Aalders, biology and NLT teacher, Alphen aan den Rijn

“ In my view, all students should be introduced to genomics. For future biologists, the

practical side is relevant, but a future judge should be aware of the ethical issues

associated with genomics.”

– Gaswin de Boer, ANW teacher, Dokkum

School’s out: DNA-labs

explore other roads

Teachers on the

DNA-labs

20 dna-labs on the road

In 2005, five NGI genomics centres, working together with

five universities and university medical centres, decided to

create the so-called DNA-labs on the Road to support high

schools in introducing genomics in the classroom. In 2010,

the sixth Lab on forensic science was added.

‘Prenatal’ research in plants Centre for Biosystems GenomicsDNA fingerprinting on potato to study the presence of certain desired

properties

Healthy or ill: just a single wrong fold Centre for Medical Systems BiologyExamining how distortions in protein folding affect protein structure and

activity

Tumour talk Cancer Genomics CentreComparing DNA of tumour cells and their healthy counterparts and formulating

a treatment advise

Bioinformatics: a bit of life Netherlands Bioinformatics CentreUsing databases and computational tools to identify a mysterious protein

Racing on toilet paper Kluyver Centre for Genomics of Industrial FermentationPreparing fuel from toilet paper and yeast and studying enzyme activity to

increase production rates

Forensic DNA: a peaks puzzle Forensic Genomics Consortium NetherlandsStudying samples from a crime scene to reveal clues for law enforcement

www.dnalabs.eu

Six DNA-labs

on the Road

21allesoverdna.nl

AllesoverDNA.nl: Online hub and treasure trove for students and teachersThe website AllesoverDNA.nl (‘Everything about

DNA’), designed and maintained by CSG, is not only

the online hub for the DNA-labs, it is also an important source of information on

genomics and life sciences in its own right. The website, which specifically targets

secondary school students and their teachers,

offers a wealth of background information on

basic technologies and concepts in genomics

research as well as ready-made teaching modules,

news and recent dossiers on specific themes.

The website attracts more than 10,000 visitors

monthly.

Alles overDNA

The website attracts

more than 10,000

visitors monthly

23imagine. . .

Bringing biotechnology to developing countries

Imagine... is an annual school competition in which life scientists submit proposals

for the application of an affordable technology in a developing country. High

school students focus on a proposal of their choice and elaborate it into a business

plan. The winning business plan is executed and the scientists and students

visit the country to see their project in practice. The programme challenges life

scientists to think about applications of their technologies in developing countries

and increases interest in the practical applications of life sciences among schools

and students.

Imagine... is an independent initiative supported

by the Kluyver Centre for Genomics of Industrial

Fermentation and CSG. Since its start in 2003,

600 students from 60 high schools have

participated in the competition. Winning

proposals have meanwhile been realised in

Mozambique, Kenya, Surinam, Tanzania and

Ghana.

www.foundation-imagine.org

Imagine...

600 students from

60 high schools have

participated in the

competition

25a major transition

New fault lines emerge in the transition from genetics to genomics

In 2008, CSG published “Genetics, genomics and health care.

A vision for the future”. The report by CSG researchers Erwin

van Rijswoud, Dirk Stemerding and Tsjalling Swierstra presented the results of a scenario

study into future contributions of genetics and genomics to different areas of health care.

The authors point out how the transition from genetics to genomics not only

affects scientific research, but also induces fundamental changes in the way our

health care system is organised. In the genomics era, we can no longer rely on

the societal and normative order that has become self-evident in discussions on

genetics. With the increasing importance of genomics, new ‘fault lines’ emerge,

for example, between internationally active health care providers and nationally

oriented health care policies and between well-informed and prosperous citizens

and less privileged groups in society. A new normative framework is needed

that is better suited to address the scientific, normative and governance-related

uncertainties that come with genomics.

Because publication of this study coincided with

reports on related issues released by both the

Dutch Health Council (GR) and the Council for

Public Health and Health Care (RVZ), CSG took

the opportunity to organise a symposium to

discuss the three reports with all parties involved.

The CSG report was formally presented during

the symposium to Ms Edith Schippers – then

Member of Parliament and current Minister

of Health, Welfare and Sport – and the Forum

Biotechnology and Genetics, the Netherlands’

leading consultative body on medical genetics.

A major transition

A new normative

framework

is needed

27crack the code!

CSG introduces ‘genome’ to the public at large

Every year in October the so-called Oktober Kennismaand

(October Month of Knowledge) is organised in the

Netherlands. The programme comprises a collection of activities throughout the

country that share a common objective: to introduce a wide variety of audiences

to the latest in science and technology. In 2008, the overall theme – suggested by

CSG - was ‘Crack the code!’ This theme provided a great opportunity to put the

spotlight on genomics and raise awareness of the

‘genome’ among a wider audience.

CSG acted as frontrunner and central coordinator

for the NGI community and initiated eight science

festivals organised by NGI Genomics Centres,

universities, science centres, museums and

libraries. In addition, CSG organised a national

event in Leiden, where the ‘Genome of the

Netherlands’ was presented. CSG also published

DNA etcetera, a popular-science book on DNA.

Overall, the October Month of

Knowledge generated a lot of

media attention and attracted

around 250,000 participants.

Crack the code!

Raise awareness of

the ‘genome’ among

a wider audience

‘The “Genome of the Netherlands”, depicting the stone age ancestry of school children’

Around 250,000

participants

29a fresh view

Societal Interface Group provides outside-in perspective on plant genomics

Consulting people who are not active in your particular

area to check your ideas and obtain feedback is not

a common mechanism in science. The Centre for

BioSystems Genomics, one of the NGI Genomics Centres that works on plant

genomics, assumed a pioneering role in this respect by installing a so-called

Societal Interface Group (SIG). The set-up of the SIG is part of the CSG research

project ‘Public voices in plant genomics’. The SIG consists of people who, in one

way or another, are professionally connected to food, including farmers, chefs and

taste experts. Societal experts such as journalists, trend watchers and innovation

experts, are also among the SIG members. The SIG communicates directly with the

CBSG management on a variety of plans and strategies, making it more than just a

‘token societal interaction’.

“ The Societal Interface Group is a very interesting way to interact with external

stakeholders. The members are all well-educated professionals working in a variety of

fields. We have for example, a chef, a journalist and an architect as members. They are all

open-minded and do not shy from giving their opinion. And we value their opinions greatly.

The SIG offers insight into what professionals know about our type of research and what

they don’t know. For scientists, it is often hard to estimate the level of technical knowledge

of outsiders, so in that sense the SIG acts as a sounding board. On other issues, they can

assume an advisory role, for example relating to communication activities and what type

of audiences we should target. My experiences with the SIG are very positive.

The meetings are intense and demanding, but always hugely informative and

rewarding.”

– Robert Hall, Managing Director Centre for BioSystems Genomics

A fresh view

30 the first date

Speed-dating as a new tool to stimulate dialogue between patient and medical expert

In 2007, the Cancer Genomics Centre (CGC) organised the Cancer Genomics

Market Plaza, a large-scale event (1,500 participants) for cancer patients to

inform them, through workshops and lectures, on cancer genomics research and

to stimulate interaction between patients, physicians and medical researchers.

Based on interviews with participants, CSG/CGC research Roald Verhoeff and his

colleagues concluded that many patients would like scientists and oncologists to

pay more attention to their individual problems.

To study how patients could be supported in getting their message across,

Verhoeff organised a so-called speed-dating session between patients and

researchers. First, six couples of patients and representatives of patient

organisations worked on articulating their questions and concerns. Next,

each couple had four 20-minute meetings with different physician/researcher

couples, who were not briefed beforehand. These sessions resulted in a number

of topics that would be worthwhile for the Dutch Federation of Cancer Patient

Organisations (NFK) to promote among researchers and funding agencies. Patient

organisations can use the outcomes to help their members in making the most of

their contacts with physicians. The speed-date results also served as the starting

point of a well-attended workshop on ‘Patients and the research agenda’ during

the second edition of the Cancer Genomics Market Plaza in 2009.

The first date

31social research in business

CSG spins off social research consultancy

CSG has over the years created a sizeable body of

knowledge and expertise on social research into the

life sciences, advancing academic research as well as

implementing new frameworks and communication

strategies. Noting an increasing demand for expert advice

in addressing issues on technology and society, CSG has

funded a feasibility study proposed by researchers Maud

Radstake and Daan Schuurbiers for a commercial organisation: ‘De Proeffabriek’ (The

Pilot Plant). Intent on turning his CSG expertise

into business, Schuurbiers aims to support public

and private organisations with socially responsible

innovation. Addressing the social dynamics of

technological innovation presents new business

opportunities. In a recent pilot study with the Top

Institute for Food and Nutrition, social research

methods were applied to strengthen collaboration in

nutrition science and open up new research horizons.

De Proeffabriek will be in business as of January 1

2012. As one of its launching customers, CSG intends

to work with De Proeffabriek in the development and

training of young scientists.

Social research in

business

CSG Centre for Society and the Life Sciences

PO-box 9010

6500GL Nijmegen

The Netherlands

www.society-lifesciences.nl

Text: Esther Thole

Editors: Frans van Dam, Maud Radstake (CSG) & Esther Thole

Photography: CBSG, (p6), Claudi de Cleen (p13) Digidaan (p2), Imagine… (p22)

Sascha Schalkwijk (cover, p14, p16, p26)

Lay-out: Atelier van Wageningen

Print: Veenman Drukkers

scienceforlife