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CORVALLIS - Oregon State University and Washington State University are sponsoring an international conference titled "Biotechnology: Science and Society at a Crossroad" June 1-3 at the Westin Hotel in Seattle.

It is the 15th annual conference of the National Agricultural Biotechnology Council (NABC).

Leading scientists and policy experts from around the world will discuss and debate biotechnology and it's many nuances at the conference, which is nicknamed "NABC 15." It is organized into a series of half-day modules, each featuring a moderator and a panel of experts. Each module includes time for audience interaction and for breakout sessions to allow all attendees to interact.

Discussions will focus around the central question: Is biotechnology a tool with unprecedented potential for humanitarian and environmental benefit, or an unproven technology with the potential for unforeseen catastrophe?

"Not all scientists agree that the benefits of genetically modified organisms outweigh the risks," said conference co-chair Sandra Ristow, associate director of WSU's Agricultural Research Center. "Our speakers and attendees will include leading scientists representing a diversity of viewpoints on the subject and we anticipate some lively discussions."

The National Agricultural Biotechnology Council is a consortium of not-for-profit agricultural research and educational institutions. It was founded in 1988 to provide an open forum for issues related to biotechnology, providing opportunities for people with varying interests and concerns to participate in meaningful dialogue.

More information about the conference, the speakers and about registration is available at http://arc.cahe.wsu.edu/nabc/.

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