The timeline below offers some examples of how Dr. Rabino gained the trust of scientists and access to these important, but often removed, members of our society, and was able to garner their views on sensitive issues.

For the best understanding of the development of Dr. Rabino’s work, we recommend that you read the timeline chronologically, from the earliest period, at the bottom, to the latest, at the top.

As early as 1963, Dr. Rabino, who as a cellular and developmental biologist researched plant life, had developed keen interest in the history of science, science policy, and the social and ethical consequences of scientific development. After 1982 he became interested in the newly established field of genetic engineering and its societal implications. “As a scientist, I was particularly intrigued by the question regarding the perceptions and beliefs of those who invented the field, and those who apply the field to practical applications, namely scientists,” he said. “Of course, I was not an outsider to this community of scientists, which allowed me the necessary scientific background to assess the field and meet and discuss the issue with academic, government and industry scientists, as well as managers and administrators, politicians, ethicists, and public policy makers.”

Prior to 1985, Dr. Rabino taught courses in science policy, with an emphasis on ecology and the environment. Between 1963 and 1985 his scholarly effort was based in experimental research, with a focus on cellular and developmental plant biology, and his publication record  reflects that effort (see Publications in Biological Science). [To this day Dr. Rabino continues to teach courses on genetics and society, while organizing annual symposiums with leading experts on science policy across a number of health-related fields.]