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Scientists for Global Responsibility (SGR) has put together a set of resources to help scientists and engineers gain a deeper understanding of ethical issues in science, design and technology, and help them choose an ‘ethical’ career in this area. Current resources are listed here. More will be added over the coming months.
NB. Many of our documents can be downloaded as PDF documents from our Downloadable Documents page. This is reached via a voluntary “data collection” form. To access the Downloads page without giving any details, simply click on the Submit button at the bottom of the form
If you want to receive updates on the latest briefings and other information on ‘Ethical Careers in Science, Design and Technology’, please send your contact details to ethicsproject@sgr.org.uk (NB. your details will not be passed on to any other organisation)
The 32-page introductory booklet (published summer 2001) is an initial look at issues such as genetics, climate change, arms, militarisation of space, animal experiments, cleaner technology, information technology, and science funding. In addition, it describes the experiences of working scientists and how they have dealt with many of these issues. Contributors include Nobel Peace Prize winner Professor Sir Joseph Rotblat, inventor of the World-Wide-Web Dr Tim Berners-Lee and the well-known commentator on biotechnology issues Dr Mae Wan Ho.
Comments from readers:
“It [the introductory booklet] provides exactly the type of information and advice that's missing from undergraduate science courses. It has a good, clear structure and I feel it is pitched at just the right level. Fantastic!”
Biology undergraduate, Imperial College London, UK
“An excellent resource for students who grapple with ethical dilemmas in relation to their current and future career choices”
Careers Service, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand
Download the PDF version [322KB] from our Downloadable Documents page, or order a paper copy
Critical
Paths: 12 inspiring cases of ethical careers in science and technology12 scientists and engineers tell of their experiences in trying to follow an ethical career. The cases cover a wide range of issues relating to the environment, social justice, the military, and animal welfare. [April 2006]
Download the PDF version [1.01MB] from our Downloadable Documents page, or order a paper copy
Each of the series of briefings provides a more in-depth analysis of a particular issue and the implications for career choice in science and technology.
‘Career choice and the chemical industry’ by Dr Anne Chapman (October 2006) - looks at scientific and engineering careers which can improve the environmental performance of the chemical industry, reduce its negative impacts on human health, or tackle other ethical concerns in this area.
‘Scientists or soldiers? Career choice, ethics and the military’ by Dr Chris Langley (January 2006) – discusses the extensive military involvement in science and technology and the related ethical issues, highlighting career choices which can help reduce or prevent conflict.
‘Corporations and career choice in science and technology’ by Dr Stuart Parkinson (January 2006) – describes the large-scale involvement of corporations in science and engineering, and discusses how to navigate the career options so that ethical concerns are prioritised.
‘Unscrambling a space career from military forces’ by Dr David Webb (April 2004) - provides an insight into the implications of choosing a career in space exploration or technology, and includes a revealing perspective on the direct and indirect influence of the military on the space industry.
‘Your career and sustainable development’ by Dr Philip Webber (December 2003) - describes an innovative approach to help you assess the environmental and social impacts of your chosen career.
‘Career choice and climate change’ by Dr Stuart Parkinson (March 2003) - summarises the main causes and effects of one of the world's greatest environmental problems, and outlines a wide range of scientific and engineering careers which can help tackle it.
‘Cleaner technologies: a positive choice’ by Dr Tim Foxon (March 2003) - describes how new technologies, in combination with social change, can help tackle environmental problems.
Download the PDF versions from our Downloadable Documents page, or order paper copies:
Two more briefings in this series are due to be published later this year on the transport sector and the chemicals sector. Other issues will be covered in later briefings. See above if you want to receive updates on our ongoing work in this area.
Finding An Ethical Career In Science, Design And Technology (Oct 2006) SGR conference presentation by Dr Stuart Parkinson
Science and Ethics — How You Can Combine The Two (Sept 2004) Written interview for People and Planet's Ethical Careers Service given by Dr Stuart Parkinson
The Military Dimensions of Science and Technology (May 2004) Notes for a lecture at Lancaster University Engineering Dept (Engineers in Society course) given by Dr Stuart Parkinson
Embrace The Ethical Dimension (April 2004) Dr Stuart Parkinson explains how physicists can become more ethical in their careers - article in Physics World
Corporate Influence on Science and Technology, a speech given at the Green Party Spring 2004 Conference by Dr Stuart Parkinson, SGR (March 2004)
Ethical Careers for Geologists? (February 2004) Talk given by Timothy Foxon at Cambridge Student Geology Society (Sedgwick Club)
Tackling Climate Change - the Role of the Engineer (September 2003) Edited version of a paper given by Dr Stuart Parkinson at UK Women's Engineering Society annual conference. Includes discussion of renewable energy, energy efficiency, and nuclear power.
Join in the green team dream. (14th June 2003, The Guardian) Simon Birch meets two of the new wave of environmentally-aware young graduates.
Living without the labs (Sept 2001) Dr Andreas Toupadakis outlines his thoughts following his resignation from Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (USA) in protest over its work on nuclear weapons.
Is your prospective employer ‘ethical’?
Check the ethical record of a company using the online ‘Corporate Critic’ maintained by Ethical Consumer.
Got a question on ethical careers in science, design or technology?
Email us at ethicsproject@sgr.org.uk and we'll try to find you an answer.
Need support from like-minded scientists?
SGR supports scientists who are facing ethical pressures and dilemmas in their work. By joining SGR you will have access to hundreds of like-minded and supportive colleagues many of whom may have had similar experiences and may be able to help.
Need more general help on ethical careers?
Try the Ethical Careers Guide (which includes a general guide to the renewable energy sector) or Ethical Jobs
SGR is grateful to the following for providing funding for this work: Body Shop Foundation; Cobb Charity; Friends Provident Life Office; Polden Puckham Charitable Foundation; Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust; Martin Ryle Trust; Scurrah Wainwright Charity.
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