Three New Projects Added to the NRP 84 Research Portfolio

NRP 84 has finalised its research portfolio, adding three new projects that will provide critical insights to inform dialogue, build public trust and guide the responsible development of plant breeding techniques.

One of these projects, led by Stephen Milford from the University of Basel, will examine how moral foundations influence polarised public debates on plant breeding, particularly on social media. By mapping these values and testing new ways to frame arguments, the team aims to reduce division and foster more constructive dialogue.

Another project, led by Rui Mata (also from the University of Basel), will explore effective communication strategies for new breeding technologies with Switzerland’s diverse public. The research will analyse decades of public discourse, identify the cultural and psychological factors that shape perceptions and test communication strategies across media formats, from traditional outlets to digital platforms.

The third project, led by Véronique Boillet of the University of Lausanne, will analyse existing and forthcoming legal and institutional frameworks relating to plant breeding technologies. It will focus on the interactions between science and law in European and Swiss regulations, examining them from legal and philosophical perspectives.

Together, these projects will complement and enhance the NRP 84 project portfolio and its ability to address the non-technical challenges that are shaping the future of plant breeding. Their findings will provide scientific insights, support public trust, and help Switzerland to navigate the opportunities and concerns of these technologies in a responsible manner.