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The developments in biotechnology are breath-taking
and far-reaching. The biotechnological development gives us an
opportunity to understand, influence and take advantage of nature’s
great variety. This knowledge will be an important driving force
behind societal and industrial development in the foreseeable
future. The development however also raises questions concerning
how the increased knowledge should be used globally, and without
risk of misuse.
In the year 2000 the Engineering Sciences Division of the Royal
Swedish Academy of Sciences (KVA/VIII) saw an opportunity to draw
on expertise from the World Academy of Art and Science in launching
annual biopolicy seminars. In 2002 it approved that its Biofocus
Foundation will supplement the annual Biopolicy Lecture with a
symbolic Award recognizing great dedication to a sound global
management of biotechnology. It has been agreed that the Biotechnology
Division of the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences
(IVA/X) will host the event every second year.
Last year a government scientist, prof. Rita Colwell, head of
the National Science Foundation, USA, received the first Award
at KVA. This year it is IVA:s privilege to make the arrangements.
At the event an intergovernmental official, Dr.Edgar da Silva,
who can look back at a long and distinguished career at UNESCO,
will be honoured. He has been at the forefront of closing the
knowledge-gap in applied microbiology between rich and poor countries.
Two years after September 11th 2001, we have reason to ask ourselves
how a strong bond between knowledge and responsibility can close
this gap. After all, poverty and misery have just as little respect
for borders, walls and fences, as infectious diseases.
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