Through Sciencewise-ERC's recent work and interaction with the public, we have learnt that there is real interest in the public helping to shape and contribute towards UK science and technology policy.
We have developed a series of pilots with key partners such as the Science Museum and the UK's Association for Science and Discovery Centres, who have an existing public facing remit, and who already successfully reach out to the general public.
Professor George Ebers
George Ebers works primarily on complex genetic diseases like Multiple Sclerosis.
These seem to be controlled by a large number of genes, each of which has a small effect, and whose impact is strongly influenced by the environment.
As part of that, Prof Ebers has a particular interest in the role of Vitamin D in the health of people in Northern Europe.
Genetics: find out more
Sciencewise-ERC has worked on a number of projects in this area, including:
Find out more about these and other Sciencewise-ERC projects.
Ask a Geneticist
Science Oxford
Wenesday 2 March
Professor George Ebers, from Oxford University’s Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, was the 'Scientist on the Sofa' for this Science Oxford event.
‘Scientist on the Sofa’ events help the public meet scientists and understand more about current scientific debate and issues.
As well as telling us about his area of work, George was on hand to answer questions about genes, DNA and inheritance.
Read the review of this event, including some of the key questions asked by participants and some of their comments.