Responsible Science

Emerging technologies

SGR produces a range of resources on the issue of 'Emerging technologies'. This covers a wide range of new and controversial technologies such as hydraulic fracturing (fracking), artificial intelligence and autonomous systems, climate/ geo-engineering, genetically-modified organisms and synthetic biology, and nanotechnologies. 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.

Person with smartphone with background symbolising digital data

The AI surge: how sustainability and responsibility are being compromised

Dr Philip Inglesant, SGR, looks at key developments in the civilian Artificial Intelligence industry over the past year, especially the massive spending increases, the rapid expansion in the number of data centres, and the continued deregulation. He points to numerous problems ahead.

24 March 2026

Polluter and cyber elites: from common problems to common solutions

Stuart Parkinson, SGR, was one of five speakers at our 2025 Responsible Science conference, on polluter and cyber elites. His presentation focuses on three areas: energy intensification; deregulation; and militarisation.

17 October 2025

Responsible AI: are governments and corporations giving up?

Dr Philip Inglesant, SGR, warns that the recent upsurge in enthusiasm for Artificial Intelligence (AI) downplays the increasing dangers which are arising due to the erosion of safeguards.

13 February 2025

What should the next UK government prioritise? Views from scientists

Leading SGR figures outline some policy recommendations for the incoming British government on issues including climate change, energy, military and security, and AI.

18 June 2024 (updated)

Limits to techno-fix

Long established critic of overconsumption and advocate of simpler living, Australian academic Ted Trainer, speaks to SGR’s Andrew Simms about limits to technological responses to the climate and ecological emergency.

13 May 2024

Hydrogen gives the blues

Prof Kevin Anderson, University of Manchester, and researcher Simon Oldridge argue that the UK government’s hydrogen energy plan isn’t green at all: it’s an oil industry swindle designed to continue pollution-as-usual.

24 April 2024

Electric car image by Mike's Photography via Pixabay

Vehicle emissions: electric cars are not enough

Alasdair Beal argues for broader and stronger action in the transport sector to tackle climate change and air pollution.

22 November 2023

Is the University of Edinburgh involved in research for autonomous weapons?

Partnerships between the military and UK academia are being rapidly expanded. Alba Andrés Sánchez examines whether some of them might be used to help develop lethal autonomous weapon systems (LAWS).

15 September 2022

Militarising research: The dark side of Global Britain’s science agenda

The British government wants the nation to be a 'science superpower' – but, asks Dr Stuart Parkinson, SGR, is this just a smokescreen to hide the expansion of military and economic priorities within the science and technology sectors?

5 April 2022

Are UK universities being drawn into developing autonomous weapons?

The UK government refuses to support a treaty to regulate lethal autonomous weapons systems, preferring instead to expand military R&D, including at universities. But, argues Leyla Manthorpe Rizatepe, these same universities could become a further focus of protest.

26 October 2021

Issues: Emerging technologies