SCIENTISTS OFFER ADVICE ON ETHICAL CAREERS

Web version of a press release issued on 7th March 2003 by SGR

A unique, new set of briefings that provide unparalleled insight into the ethical dimensions of various science and technology careers was launched on Friday 7th March by Scientists for Global Responsibility (SGR). The series, entitled "Thinking About an Ethical Career in Science and Technology" is aimed in particular at the large numbers of science and engineering students and graduates known to be concerned about the ethical implications of available career choices. The first three briefings have been released to coincide with the start of National Science Week. They provide in-depth analysis of ethical controversies within three industry/research sectors together with guidance on how to make an ethical career choice within those fields.

The three new briefings are:

• Career choice and climate change
• Cleaner technologies: a positive choice
• Career choice, ethics and animal experimentation (produced in association with Dr Hadwen Trust for Humane Research)

Further briefings will be published over the coming months, covering topics that include the military and space technology; ethics and genetics; assessing the sustainability of your career; nuclear issues; and military involvement in science and technology.

The briefings mark the next stage in SGR's ethical careers work and follow on from the introductory booklet: "An Ethical Career in Science and Technology?", over 1500 copies of which have been distributed.

Announcing the new series, SGR's Director Dr Stuart Parkinson said: "There is a growing awareness among young scientists and engineers of the ethical dilemmas involved in choosing a career in science and technology, but precious little information available to help them. With these briefings, SGR intends to fill that gap."

Notes for editors:

1. Scientists for Global Responsibility (SGR) is an independent UK-based organisation of scientists and engineers promoting ethical science and technology. SGR, PO Box 473, Folkestone, CT20 1GS, UK; tel: +44 7771 883696; email: info@sgr.org.uk; web: http://www.sgr.org.uk.

2. The first three briefings are available to download from SGR's Ethics web-page. Journalists may also obtain electronic copies of the briefings, interviews and further information from Dr Stuart Parkinson, email: stuartp@sgr.org.uk, tel: 07941 953640.

3. The Dr Hadwen Trust for Humane Research funds alternatives to animal research.

4. "An Ethical Career in Science and Technology?"; is a 32-page introductory booklet published in September 2001. Electronic copies can be downloaded here.