Some view life sciences and biotechnology, including genetic engineering and various 'omics' techniques, as a source for innovation and competitiveness. Goals intended are a more sustainable agriculture, healthier foods, cleaner environment and novel cures against diseases for which no remedy exists up to now.

Others however see reason for concern and even protest: Is it safe to humans and the environment? Does it pose risks to nature? Do alternatives exist? Who is in control? Who benefits? Who bear the burden of risk? And should anything that is technologically possible also be done?

Public and stakeholder debates on these issues are often controversial and tense. The decision whether and how a product of modern biotechnology can be introduced on the market in a commercially and societal responsible way, is therefore not easy to make. It requires technical knowledge of biotechnology research and product development, expertise on risk assessment and regulations, insight into (inter)national policies, and experience with communication on biotechnology with many different stakeholders in a dynamic environment, including media.