The GES Center is partnering with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the China Ministry of Agriculture, and the US Trade and Development Agency to organize a workshop on “Communication, Engagement, and Biotechnology.” Several Chinese government officials will be joined by a number of industry representatives from the Triangle, with the goal of sharing the insights of GES research and fostering discussion.GES faculty and affiliates will be making presentations each morning of October 2-4, followed by a catered lunch. The organizer of the workshop would like to extend an invitation to NCSU faculty and students who would like to participate in any of the sessions.If you are interested, please email Sharon Stauffer (sastauff@ncsu.edu) to confirm your spot, as spaces are limited for each section. All meetings will occur on Centennial Campus in Hunt Library Rm 4105 (accessible by elevators in the lobby prior to entering the library). You may request to attend any mix of the sessions described below.

WORKSHOP AGENDA
Monday, October 2
8:30 –  10:00      Jason Delborne, Associate Professor, Dept. of Forestry and Natural Resources and Genetic Engineering and Society Center 
What does public engagement have to offer in the realm of emerging technologies?  What kinds of engagement are useful?
10:15 – 11:45     Andy Binder, Associate Professor, Dept. of Communication  
Why is the public skeptical of GMOs?  What not to do in trying to reach consensus?
12:00 pm           Working Luncheon

Tuesday, October 3
8:30 – 10:00       Zachary Brown, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Agricultural and Resource Economics
How do you measure public attitudes about emerging technologies?  How do we forecast consumer responses to food produced using emerging biotechnologies, before these products are introduced into the market?
10:15 – 11:45     Jennifer Kuzma, Goodnight-North Carolina GlaxoSmithKline Foundation Distinguished Professor
How to integrate public values and scientific knowledge in risk assessment and governance?
12:00 pm           Working Luncheon

Wednesday, October 4
8:30 – 10:00        Todd Kuiken, Senior Research Scholar, Genetic Engineering and Society Center  
What is the difference between PR and engagement?  How do you balance facts and values in international governance of GMOs?
10:15 – 11:45      Jean Goodwin, Distinguished Professor, Dept. of English and Director of Leadership in the Public Science Cluster
How do scientists get into trouble when communicating about controversial topics?  What is defensive communication and how to avoid it? How do you become an honest broker?
11:45 – 12:00     Jason Delborne Wrap up
12:00 pm            Working Luncheon