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The paper approaches the field of biomedicine as an example of a modern science–society relationship by means of identifying and analysing the range of public encounters with this field of research and practice, and the differing communication models underlying these encounters. Guided by theoretical and empirical research into science communication and public understanding of science, the paper classifies public encounters with biomedicine into three general types related to (1) consuming—learning about biomedicine from different media and formats of popular culture, (2) experiencing—accumulating personal experience from biomedical practices, and (3) governing—getting engaged in the processes of decision-making on biomedicine. It is argued that the various formats of encounters each have a definite role and contribution to embedding and steering the development of biomedicine in modern society, yet, given the nature of this field as provoking both public interest and dissent, it is important that these formats are mutually well balanced and guided by a dialogue-based and participatory paradigm.

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