Team:Greece United/Communication/Survey

Probing Public Opinion:

The NOUS Survey

To probe the diversity of perspectives about the science of biology and synthetic biology held by the public and consider these in the design of respective solutions (Science Communication Goal #5) we designed a field survey.

Main objectives were:

  • a)  to assess the public's understanding of key biological concepts, and
  • b)  to gather views on general policy issues related to synthetic biology

    • The field survey was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of Democritus University of Thrace (approval no. 12/22-07-2021).

    The survey comprised of a questionnaire with 2 parts. Each question was designed to be either FALSE or TRUE and the participants could answer using a 5-point Likert scale: Strongly Disagree, Disagree, Don’t know, Agree, Strongly Agree.

    The section about general understanding of biological concepts consisted of the following questions.

  • 1.   DNA contains information about the structure and function of the organism to which it belongs.
  • 2.   RNA is synthesized based on DNA.
  • 3.   Plants are living organisms.
  • 4.   RNA can modify DNA.
  • 5.   All organisms on Earth have a common ancestor.
  • 6.   Some antibiotics are effective against viruses.
  • 7.   Human somatic and gamete (eggs, sperm) cells have the same DNA.
  • 8.   Mushrooms are plants.
  • 9.   Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are used to make drugs.
  • 10.   DNA fragments of genetically modified organisms we consume can modify or become integrated into the DNA of human cells.
  • 11.   The use of stem cells for research or therapeutic purposes requires the killing of embryos.


    • The second section of the survey contained questions on the general public’s opinion on policy issues of synthetic biology. The questions were:

  • 1.   A genetically modified organism or cell is any organism or cell whose genetic material has been modified using genetic engineering techniques. I understand this definition.
  • 2.   Genetic modification of organisms or cells is, by definition, immoral.
  • 3.   Consumption of any genetically modified organism (GMO) is proven to be dangerous to health.
  • 4.   The use of GMOs for drug production is a beneficial practice.
  • 5.   Genetic modification of human somatic cells for the treatment of diseases could be beneficial (cell changes are not inherited in the offspring).
  • 6.   Genetic modification of human somatic cells for the treatment of diseases is dangerous and should not be investigated.

    • The survey was advertised via the team’ssocial media and the questionnaires were handed out to the public in major team events, including the 85th HELEXPO 2021 International Fair in Thessaloniki, Greece and in Blood Donation Clinics.

    During the questionnaire administration, participants were informed that the correct questions to the answers (part 1 of the survey) will be officially released via the team’s social media and planned educational events.

    Demographics of the participants, results and analysis of the 277 responses received are shown below. Both genders were represented (56% women). The majority were adults, 63% in the age group 18-40 and 23% in the age group 40-65 years. The majority (75%) were of a higher education level and most likely in the basic or medical sciences (60%). Higher education students were 51% while 44% were employed at the time.

    Main findings per questions are shown in the slideshow below: