"Expert, public and political discourse on systems biology in Germany and Austria”.
Investigator: Anne Brüninghaus

Work package 4 aims at analysing media representations of systems biology as well as the uptake of issues related to SB within the governance system. Two case studies (Germany and Austria) allow for the comparison of national discourses and governance regimes against the two different national contexts. This is addressed within a media analysis and an analysis of the ongoing regulatory situation and debate. Analysing the media coverage and the regulatory situation and debate, the workpackage examines the interplay of different levels of actors, including media, politics, administration, industry and other stakeholders. Research questions addressed:

• How is systems biology addressed in the media?
• Is it framed as problematic or beneficiary?
• Are specific regulatory approaches discussed in the media or by expert bodies?
• What is the current state of regulation?