Publications

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
 

12 inspiring cases of ethical careers in science and technology

12 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.

Editors: Stuart Parkinson and Vanessa Spedding

2006

Corporations have become one of the most powerful influences within science and technology in recent years. This has thrown up many ethical concerns, not least the issue of whether their involvement has a distorting influence on the direction of research and development. This briefing discusses how ethical issues affect career choice for scientists and engineers. It gives tips on spotting ethical corporations and looks at alternative career options.

Stuart Parkinson

2006

This briefing discusses military involvement with science and engineering, and how it can affect career choice in these fields. It outlines how the UK’s position as a major military power influences research, teaching, and development and deployment of new technologies, and discusses the related ethical issues. The briefing also gives tips on avoiding military work and describes opportunities in a range of alternative fields.

Chris Langley

2006