Emerging technologies

SGR produces a range of resources on the issue of 'Emerging technologies'. This covers technologies such as genetically-modified organisms, nanotechnologies, synthetic biology, and geo-engineering. An explicit concern is the adequate application of the precautionary principle, and the possible alternatives to emerging technologies, including 'appropriate' technology and non-technological solutions such economic, political or social change.

Results 1 - 10 of 40

Geoengineering the climate (Dec 2011)

Joanna Haigh, Imperial College London, outlines the range of options currently being investigated by researchers and technologists to modify the climate system to try to prevent dangerous climate change – but finds that there are no ‘magic bullets’ here.

Article from SGR Newsletter no. 40, autumn 2011 (published online 14 December 2011)
 

Emerging technologies and risk: the social, cultural and political dimensions (Dec 2011)

Bronislaw Szerszynski, Lancaster University, argues that when it comes to new technologies, technical risk assessment is not enough.

Article from SGR Newsletter no. 40, autumn 2011 (published online 6 December 2011)
 

Geoengineering the climate (May 2011)

Presentation by Joanna Haigh, Imperial College London at the SGR conference, Emerging technologies: are the risks being neglected? on 21 May 2011
 

Emerging technologies and risk: the social, cultural and political dimensions (May 2011)

Presentation by Bron Szerszynski, Lancaster University, at the SGR conference, Emerging technologies: are the risks being neglected? on 21 May 2011
 

Research investment decisions: time for change

Helen Wallace, GeneWatch, highlights the failure of the biotech economy and argues that decisions on R&D investments should be made more democratic and accountable.

Article from SGR Newsletter no. 39, winter 2011 (published online 4 March 2011)
 

Synthetic life – too much, too soon?

Michael Reinsborough asks whether synthetic biologists are rushing ahead with development of associated technologies before the science is properly understood.

Article from SGR Newsletter no. 39, winter 2011 (published online 4 March 2011)
 

Science and the Corporate Agenda

The detrimental effects of commercial influence on science and technology

SGR report by Chris Langley and Stuart Parkinson; October 2009

It is no secret that links between the commercial sectors and science and technology are increasing. Many policy-makers, business leaders and members of the science community argue that this is positive for both science and society. But there is growing evidence that the science commercialisation agenda brings with it a wide range of detrimental effects, including bias, conflicts of interest, a narrowing of the research agenda, and misrepresentation of research results. This report takes an in-depth look at the evidence for these effects across five sectors: pharmaceuticals; tobacco; military/defence; oil and gas; and biotechnology. Its findings make disturbing reading for all concerned about the positive role of science and technology in our society.
 

GM trials return to the UK

GM potatoes are being trialled at a site in Cambridgeshire, with more planned. Eva Novotny explains why we should be on our guard.

Article from SGR Newsletter no. 34, summer 2007
 

GM Crops in Wales?

Letter to Mr Carwyn Jones, AM, Minister for Environment, Planning and Countryside, Welsh Assembly, 19 September 2006
 

GM co-existence: SGR response

SGR Submission, written by Eva Novotny, to the Consultation on proposals for managing the coexistence of GM, conventional and organic crops, July 2006