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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