I would like to invite you to take part in this research study. Before you decide I would like you to understand why this research is being carried out and what it would involve for you.

This survey aims to gather information on public awareness of genetically-modified crops, focusing on the strengths and weaknesses of communication between research and the public. This survey forms part of my research for my final year research project in Biology at the University of York. The survey is to be completed by participants aged 18 and above and should take about 10 minutes. You will be asked about your views of this topic as well as your own demographic background. All data collected is anonymous as no names, e-mails or IP addresses will be collected, so after submission participants cannot be identified to withdraw data. Raw data will only be shared with myself and my research project director and will be deleted after analysis (at maximum by the end of 2025). All data will be stored and subsequently destroyed in compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Link to https://www.york.ac.uk/records-management/dp/your-info/privacynotice-researchparticipants/. This survey has been approved by the Biology Ethics Committee (BEC) with my research director receiving ethical approval from BEC for the overall project.

You are not obliged to take this survey and it will have zero bearing on any academic assessments or healthcare. By completing this survey, you will be part of wider research into improving communication between scientific research and the public within the topic of genetically modified crops.

If you want any additional support regarding the topic talked about in this survey, I recommend visiting:

The Royal Society @ https://royalsociety.org/news-resources/projects/gm-plants/what-is-gm-and-how-is-it-done/
Food Standards Agency @ https://www.food.gov.uk/safety-hygiene/genetically-modified-foods

If you have any questions specifically about the survey, please email me at nom503@york.ac.uk.

Have you read and understood the information provided in the participant information Section?