Publications

The detrimental effects of commercial influence on science and technology

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.

Chris Langley and Stuart Parkinson

2009

Spring 2009

Feature articles cover: sustainability and the global economic crisis, sustainable housing, military involvement in science and technology, social housing, nuclear weapons policy, low carbon energy, and alternatives to animal experiments.

Autumn 2008

Feature articles cover: high-alert nuclear weapons; military influence at UK universities; UK climate strategy; new nuclear weapons campaign; nuclear waste management; sustainable housing; expanding renewable energy

Military influence, commercial pressures and the compromised university

This report builds upon the disclosures of, and recommendations provided in Soldiers in the Laboratory and More Soldiers in the Laboratory and focuses on the impact of military sector influence within the research and teaching environment of universities in the UK.

Chris Langley, Stuart Parkinson and Philip Webber

2008

Winter 2008

Feature articles cover: military R&D v. renewable energy R&D; climatic impact of nuclear war; UK nuclear weapons and employment; 'peak oil'; environmental impacts of bathing; UK planning policy; arms trade success; 'Missile Defence' in Europe; military robotics; biofuels and sustainability; ethics in science
 

The militarisation of science and technology - an update

This report provides an update to Soldiers in the Laboratory. In addition to SGR's latest findings about the power and influence of the military in science, engineering and technology (SET) in the UK since the early 1990s, the report also highlights some of the problems encountered in obtaining detailed information on military involvement in R&D despite the entry into force of the Freedom of Information Act 2000.

Chris Langley, Stuart Parkinson and Philip Webber

2007

Summer 2007

Feature articles cover: Iran's nuclear strategy; solar power; road safety; GM crops; ethics and science; climate change science; architecture and social justice; minefields; biofuels and sustainability
 

Winter 2007

Feature articles cover: local sustainable energy; military robotics; global security; biofuels and sustainability; energy policy and jobs; choice and service provision
 

This briefing discusses the main ethical issues related to industrial chemicals sector, as well as new developments in regulation and technology, and assesses how these affect career choice. It points to areas which have potential to improve the environmental and health performance of the sector.

Anne Chapman

2006

Summer 2006

Feature articles cover: nuclear power and nuclear weapons debates; imbalances between resources for the military and human development; renewable energy in UK; nanotechnology and risk; clinical research; ethical pledge